Richard Hooker

Richard Hooker is an American author best known for his novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors," which inspired the iconic film and long-running television series "M*A*S*H." Born as Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr. in 1924, Hooker drew upon his own experiences as a surgeon during the Korean War to craft this satirical account of medical life in a combat zone. His work artfully blends humor and poignancy, offering profound insights into the absurdities and tragedies of war. Despite the novel's success, Hooker largely stepped back from the limelight, continuing his surgical practice until his retirement. He passed away in 1997.