Ed Mattson

630-440-7912

emattson0711@yahoo.com

Author’s webpage http://edmattsonhomepage.com/hands across the sea inc

9824 Coatbridge Dr. Charlotte, NC 28269

This is no ordinary war story. Like “Band of Brothers” and “Heartbreak Ridge”, its portrayal of war pulls no punches. Gut-wrenching brutality is the reality of war! Bob Donahue’s story is riveting. Mr. Mattson’s work has been praised by one critic as “exceptionally well-written, with the combat scenes putting the reader right in the middle of the action and on the front line”(Zoetrope, September 2020).

The story focuses on a 19-year-old Marine who became a survivor of the Korean War which took 5 million lives, including 10% of the prewar civilian population of Korea. Though badly wounded, this twice-decorated hero of the horrific Punch bowl and Hwacheon Dam Battles would face life either as a handicapped double amputee or champion to millions. This story is the real deal!

Blessed are the Heroes is taken from the memoirs of PFC Bob Donahue,who, as a Marine Reservist, was activated in 1950 to fight in Korea against North Korean and Chinese invaders. The Korean War is the forgotten war in America’s history where more than 36,000 of our youth were killed. It was first test of the United Nation’s resolve to maintain world peace and to halt rogue nations from acts of aggression against their neighboring countries.

Donahue was just an ordinary American kid who overcame fear and showed exceptional courage and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. His actions helped the Third Marine Division achieve the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea during the periods 21 April through 25September 1951.

He was awarded two purple hearts and the bronze star for valor. This compelling story is reminiscent of Band of Brothers and Hacksaw Ridge and has been praised by several critics finishing in competition and becoming a Semi Finalist in this season's Chicago Screenplay Awards and then as an Official Award-Winning Screenplay Selection in the most recent Film Freeway competition.

Awards Won