Cornelius Ryan was an Irish-American author and journalist, best known for his works on World War II. Born on June 5, 1920, in Dublin, Ireland, he moved to the United States in 1947. Ryan gained fame for his detailed narratives that combined extensive research with personal accounts from those who experienced the events firsthand. His most notable works include The Longest Day, which chronicles the D-Day invasion of Normandy, and A Bridge Too Far, which focuses on the failed Operation Market Garden. Ryan's writing style brought historical events to life, making them accessible and engaging for readers around the world.