Clement, Hal, 1922-2003

Born Harry Clement Stubbs, Hal Clement was an American science fiction author, writing primarily "hard" science fiction short stories and novels. He graduated from Harvard University in 1943 with a B.S. in astronomy, having published his first short story the year before. Clement served with the 8th Air Force in World War II and flew 35 combat missions over Europe; after the war, he served in the United States Air Force Reserve and eventually retired with the rank of colonel. He taught chemistry and astronomy for many years at Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts. He also painted astronomy-oriented artworks under the name George Richard.

Clement was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1998, and in 1996 he retroactively received a 1946 Hugo Award for his short story "Uncommon Sense." The Hal Clement Award for Young Adults for Excellence in Children's Science Fiction Literature is presented in his memory each year at the World Science Fiction Convention (better known as Worldcon).

From the guide to the Hal Clement Papers, 1953-1970, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)