Nelson Richard DeMille (born Aug 23, 1943) is an American author of action adventure and suspense novels. His novels include; Plum Island, The Charm School and The Gold Coast. After spending three years at Hofstra University, he joined the Army and was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army (1966–69) and saw action as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He was decorated with the Air Medal, Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. DeMille’s first major novel was, By the Rivers of Babylon, published in 1978. He is a member of American Mensa, the Authors Guild, and past president of the Mystery Writers of America. He is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, who honored him as 2015 Thriller Master of the Year. DeMille holds three honorary doctorates Less