He was a graduate of the NROTC program at the University of North Carolina in 1957 and served two years on active duty in the Pacific on an amphibious ship (LST). He retired as a Commander in the Naval Reserves in 1979 and has published two other books: The Atlantic Turkey Shoot: U Boats of the Outer Banks in WWII and Sailing the Carolina Sounds. In addition, he has written numerous professional articles and book reviews and produced two documentaries: North Carolina's Role in the American Revolution and a legal documentary for North Carolina's Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism. He currently heads the Robert Ruark Society of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.