Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy Jr., born in Baltimore on April 12, 1947, and passing away in the same city on October 1, 2013, was a distinguished American novelist renowned for his intricately detailed espionage and military-science narratives set during and after the Cold War era. Clancy's works have captivated millions, with seventeen of his novels becoming bestsellers and his books selling over 100 million copies globally. Beyond his famed novels, his name has been associated with screenplays, nonfiction military-themed books, and a series of popular video games. His influence extended into the film industry, with notable adaptations such as The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears.

Before his rise to literary fame, Clancy embarked on his career as an insurance agent. His journey as a writer began with the publication of his first military thriller novel, The Hunt for Red October, in 1984, published by the Naval Institute Press. This novel, alongside others like Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, not only achieved commercial success but also paved the way for a new genre of military and espionage literature. Clancy's contribution to the arts did not stop with his writing; he was also a part-owner of the Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball team, serving as vice-chairman of their community activities and public affairs committees.

Clancy's legacy continues through various mediums, including film adaptations and the continuation of the Jack Ryan series by his estate. His characters, such as Jack Ryan and John Clark, have been brought to life by actors like Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck, Chris Pine, John Krasinski, Willem Dafoe, Liev Schreiber, and Michael B. Jordan. Clancy's vision also extended to the world of video games, inspiring titles like the Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, The Division, and Splinter Cell series, further cementing his influence in both literature and entertainment.