Jim Noles graduated from United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1990 with a degree in International History. Commissioned in the Army’s Aviation Branch, Jim served at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he became a pilot-in-command in UH-1H Huey helicopters. Jim is a prolific author and his books include two WWII histories Mighty by Sacrifice: The Destruction of an American Bomber Squadron, August 29, 1944, and Twenty-Three Minutes to Eternity: The Final Voyage of the Escort Carrier USS Liscome Bay (University of Alabama Press). In addition to his books, Jim's articles and opinion pieces have appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Birmingham News.