Rick DeStefanis is an award-winning novelist best known for his historical fiction and thriller works. His Vietnam War Series, which draws from his experiences as a paratrooper with the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division, explores combat, relationships, and postwar life. Among his twelve published books, three have received notable accolades: "The Gomorrah Principle" (2015 Readers’ Favorite Award for Military Fiction), "Valley of the Purple Hearts" (2017 Best Indie Book Award for Literary Fiction), and "The Birdhouse Man" (Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal). His bibliography also includes a Southern fiction novel, "Tallahatchie," and the four-book historical western series, The Rawlins Saga.
A Mississippi resident for most of his adult life, DeStefanis incorporates his deep Southern roots and diverse career background—from military service to railroad work—into his storytelling. His writing transcends genre conventions by blending historical accuracy with human drama, focusing on soldiers, their families, and the communities affected by war. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he lives with his wife and their pets, maintaining a connection to the region that often inspires his fiction.