Author, Journalist. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Cornelius relocated to London, England, in 1940, where he worked as a war correspondent during WWII. In 1947, he moved to the United States where he worked for Time, Newsweek, and Collier's magazines. In 1950, he married Kathryn Morgan and became a U.S. citizen. Cornelius Ryan is best know for his WWII books: "The Longest Day" (1959), "The Last Battle" (1965), and his final novel "A Bridge Too Far" (1974). All were best sellers; "The Longest Day" and "A Bridge Too Far" were made into blockbuster movies. It was during the writing of his last novel that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cornelius was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1973, in recognition of his journalism and historical writing. During promotions for "A Bridge Too Far," Cornelius fell sick and returned to the hospital, where he passed away on November 23rd, 1974. Walter Cronkite gave his eulogy and soldiers from many countries paid their respects. After his death, his notes, tapes, and his wife's diaries were published as a book, "A Private Battle" (1976). Cornelius Ryan is buried in Ridgebury Cemetery under a simple stone, flush with the ground that reads, "Cornelius Ryan, Reporter."
Author, Journalist. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Cornelius relocated to London, England, in 1940, where he worked as a war correspondent during WWII. In 1947, he moved to the United States where he worked for Time, Newsweek, and Collier's magazines. In 1950, he married Kathryn Morgan and became a U.S. citizen. Cornelius Ryan is best know for his WWII books: "The Longest Day" (1959), "The Last Battle" (1965), and his final novel "A Bridge Too Far" (1974). All were best sellers; "The Longest Day" and "A Bridge Too Far" were made into blockbuster movies. It was during the writing of his last novel that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cornelius was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 1973, in recognition of his journalism and historical writing. During promotions for "A Bridge Too Far," Cornelius fell sick and returned to the hospital, where he passed away on November 23rd, 1974. Walter Cronkite gave his eulogy and soldiers from many countries paid their respects. After his death, his notes, tapes, and his wife's diaries were published as a book, "A Private Battle" (1976). Cornelius Ryan is buried in Ridgebury Cemetery under a simple stone, flush with the ground that reads, "Cornelius Ryan, Reporter."
Bio by: Peter McKelvie
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