Michael DiMercurio is an American author of naval fiction, best known for his thrilling novels about submarines. He was born on April 9, 1958, in Denver, Colorado, and is the son of Cyril, an executive and engineer, and Patricia Ruth DiMercurio. DiMercurio has been married and divorced twice, and he has three children from his two marriages.
DiMercurio graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a National Science Foundation scholarship, earning his master's degree in mechanical engineering in 1981. After graduation, DiMercurio served as an officer in the United States Navy in the attack submarine force. From 1982 to 1985, he served on the USS Hammerhead as a communications officer, main propulsion assistant, and electrical officer. After finishing sea duty, DiMercurio worked as an instructor in the Naval Systems Engineer Department in Annapolis. He later acted as a project manager in the civilian industry in construction and powerplant engineering.
DiMercurio is not only an accomplished author but also a veteran of the U.S. Navy Submarine force, a commentator, and a humorist. He is a first-class graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis and has served as a paratrooper, Navy diver, and lieutenant and Chief Propulsion Officer aboard the U.S.S. Hammerhead. DiMercurio is known for his tactical genius at detecting and trailing Soviet submarines, which earned him the nuclear Navy's coveted "qualified in submarines" gold dolphins. After leaving the Navy, DiMercurio authored nine USA Today bestselling Navy submarine fiction novels and a satirical non-fiction work on submarines. He is also a commentator and columnist, writing essays on various topics, including international politics, conspiracy theories, and military and civilian office politics. DiMercurio currently resides in an underground bunker in an undisclosed location, where he enjoys cigar smoking, sipping Kentucky bourbon, and riding his Harley.