Tom Clancy
Photo by John Earle

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Tom Clancy attended Loyola College, where he studied English. After graduating in 1969, he worked as an insurance broker until his first novel, The Hunt for Red October (1984), became an international success. The novel focuses on a Russian submarine captain who defects to the United States. President Reagan lauded the book as "the perfect yarn" and "un-put-downable." Clancy followed this debut with a string of bestsellers that explore current and heated issues. His novels address topics such as terrorism, the drug wars, espionage and foreign relations, the Cold War, and—his greatest passion—the military. Many of Clancy’s novels have been adapted into blockbuster films, including The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears. Each novel since Clancy’s first has been a bestseller. His nonfiction books have also been met with acclaim. Clancy’s latest novels are Red Rabbit (2002) and The Teeth of the Tiger (2003).

The carrier landing was a controlled crash. Massive landing gear struts and shock absorbers were needed to lessen the bone-crushing impact. The aircraft surged forward only to be jerked to a halt by the arresting wire. They were down. They were safe. Probably.

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