R.D. Wall served in the U.S. Navy in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, and the Mekong Delta and coastal waters of Vietnam. While in the Navy he kept a journal of his observations and experiences; his many notes eventually forming the foundation of the Jonah Wynchester Series of Vietnam War novels.

Following the Navy, he worked as a newspaper reporter, sailmaker and yacht broker, and spent 30 years involved in the design, building, outfitting and sailing of one-design and large ocean racing yachts. He is also a very experienced alpine mountaineer and artist, painting in oils and watercolor.

In the 1990s he and his late wife, Jo, owned and operated a historic 135-year-old Vermont country inn specializing in fly fishing, with fly shop, fly fishing school and professional guide services. He now lives amidst the oak and pine woods of north Florida.