Author Biography
At the time this book was originally published in 1954, The author, Monsignor Arthur Tonne (July 4,1904-May 20, 2003), had authored 22 books, mostly volumes of sermons and collections of stories for preaching and teaching. After five years of teaching, he organized and directed for thirteen years the Newman Club att Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, where he gave more than 300 talks over radio station KTSW. He had preached missions and retreats in 22 states, and had spoken to numerous university, civic, and fraternal groups. As pastor of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen, Kansas, the home parish of Chaplain Kapaun, he was in an ideal position to secure the material and background for this account of an outstanding patriot. The beloved priest of Pilsen was many personalities but only one man. He was benevolent, compassionate, gentle, fair, and an inspirational leader respected by all who preferred to just be called Father Tonne.
