A Soldier's Story: Private James Mallahan Cain

Private James Mallahan Cain was born on July 1, 1892, in Annapolis, Maryland.

In 1910 he graduated from Washington College (at age 18) and began working on his Master's degree at Washington while teaching at the college.

Private James Cain began his career in journalism in 1914,  first working for the Baltimore American and then the Baltimore Sun before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the final year of World War I.

Private James Cain was assigned to the 79th Division. He edited the weekly divisional newspaper, "The Lorraine Cross," leaving the service at the war's end and returning to his career in journalism, writing for the New York World and American Mercury, and the New Yorker.

In 1934, at the age of 42, he released his first novel, "The Postman Always Rings Twice," launching what has become a well-known career as a noir author, writing more than 20 novels and short story collections, and several original screenplays.

Private James Cain's novels have also been adapted into films, many more than once, including what was to become Joan Crawford's academy award winner, "Mildred Pierce."

Private James M. Cain died on October 27, 1977.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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