Thomas Leo "Tom" Clancy Jr. was an American author, best known for his technically detailed espionage and military science storylines set during and in the aftermath of the Cold War. He gained fame with his debut novel, The Hunt for Red October (1984), and went on to write other bestsellers like Patriot Games (1987), Clear and Present Danger (1989), and The Sum of All Fears (1991), all of which were adapted into successful films.

Clancy was originally an insurance agent with a passion for naval history. His literary career took off after he sold his first novel for $5,000 to the Naval Institute Press of Annapolis, Maryland.

His name became a brand encompassing video games like Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, The Division, and Splinter Cell, as well as screenplays and non-fiction books on military subjects, often written with co-authors or ghostwriters.

Additionally, Clancy was a part-owner and Vice Chairman of Community Activities and Public Affairs of the Baltimore Orioles, a Major League Baseball team.