Tony Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma and received his early schooling there. He served in World War II and was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He then attended the University of Oklahoma, and after graduating in 1948, he worked on newspapers and wire service in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Moving to New Mexico in 1953, he received an M.A. in journalism from the University of New Mexico where he taught for 20 years. His first mystery novel, The Blessing Way, published in 1970, was followed by more than 30 books featuring the Navajo culture and Navajo tribal policemen. He received numerous mystery writer awards, the Navajo Tribes Special Friend Award, and the Public Service Award from the U.S. Department of Interior.
