October Sky

Homer H. Hickam, Jr. was born on February 19, 1943, the second son of Homer and Elsie Hickam, and was raised in Coalwood, West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960 and from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1964 with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. A U.S. Army veteran, serving in Vietnam in 1967-1968 where he won the Army Commendation and Bronze Star medals. He served 6 years active duty, leaving the service with the rank of Captain. Homer Hickam has written many books, Rocket Boys being his most popular.