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 an experienced alpine mountaineer, having climbed throughout the French and Swiss Alps, and the North Cascades.

In the 1990s he owned a 130-year old historic inn on Vermont's Lamoille River specializing in fly fishing, with fly shop, fly fishing school and professional guide services.

In addition to his writing, he paints seascapes and landscapes in oils and watercolor.

He lives with his wife Jo, and dachshund Saltydog, amid the oak and pine woods of north Florida.