Tom Godwin was an American science fiction author, best known for his short stories and novels. He gained significant recognition for his 1954 story, “The Cold Equations,” which explores the harsh realities of space travel and moral dilemmas. Godwin's writing often combined elements of science fiction with philosophical questions, making his work thought-provoking and impactful. Born on July 29, 1915, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Godwin had a varied career, including work in the U.S. Army during World War II. He published numerous stories in popular magazines like Astounding Science Fiction and Galaxy Science Fiction, contributing to the genre's development during the mid-20th century. Godwin passed away on August 31, 1980.