Leland Austin Gagnebin was born in the spring of 1947 in Chicago, IL. He was raised in rural northeastern IL. and is the product of the University of Wisconsin system. He is a member of the Military Writers Society of America. As a guest speaker at local high school history classes, he is also available to address local veteran and civic groups. Leland continues to assist and encourage veterans to connect to the VA and is open to a dialogue with his readers. He now resides with his wife on the north coast of California in Mendocino County.