Picture a globe-trotting storyteller who traded Hollywood scripts for the jungles of Vietnam’s past—meet David Lee Corley! This American author, once a screenwriter and entrepreneur, now crafts historical fiction thrillers that pulse with action and history. His Airmen Series, a sprawling chronicle of the Vietnam War, blends meticulous research with gripping narratives, pulling readers into a world of sacrifice, betrayal, and courage.
Born in 1958, Corley’s life is as adventurous as his novels. From raising Appaloosa horses to circling the globe three times, his experiences shape stories that feel alive. With a knack for turning history into page-turners, he’s become a voice for veterans and history buffs alike, preserving the lessons of the past with every word.
The Making of David Lee Corley
Raised on a Northern California horse ranch, David Lee Corley grew up breaking colts and dreaming big. His early career as a copywriter in his 20s sparked a love for storytelling, leading him to Malibu, where he penned 24 screenplays, four of which hit the big screen. Inspired by literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Cormac McCarthy, Corley honed a lean, vivid style that cuts to the heart of human conflict. His decade-long research into the Vietnam War, including visits to its battlegrounds, fueled his shift to novels, where he found freedom to explore history’s untold stories.
David Lee Corley’s Unforgettable Stories
Corley’s Airmen Series is his magnum opus, a 19-book saga (and counting) that traces America’s involvement in Vietnam from World War II to the war’s brutal end. Each novel, like A War Too Far, weaves real events with fictional characters, creating thrillers that read like modern political dramas. A War Too Far kicks off with the Deer Team—OSS soldiers fighting alongside Ho Chi Minh against the Japanese—revealing a little-known chapter of history. The War Before The War follows a young JFK on a fact-finding mission, blending suspense with political intrigue.
We Stand Alone dives into the 1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu, capturing the French defeat that set the stage for Vietnam’s turmoil. Spectre of War, book 19, explores the war’s final phase with gritty realism. Corley’s style—crisp, action-packed, and historically precise—earns praise for making complex events accessible. Readers, from Vietnam veterans to history buffs, laud his ability to humanize the past without romanticizing it, balancing raw brutality with moments of hope.
Why David Lee Corley Matters
David Lee Corley’s work does more than entertain—it educates. His novels unpack the Vietnam War’s misunderstood origins, challenging readers to rethink a conflict that reshaped America. Veterans find resonance in his authentic portrayals, while younger readers gain insight into a divisive era. By blending history with heart-pounding fiction, Corley honors those who fought and ensures their stories endure. His global travels and relentless research make him a bridge between past and present, reminding us that history’s lessons are timeless.
- Born: 1958 in Northern California
- Key Works: A War Too Far, The War Before The War, We Stand Alone, Spectre of War
- Notable: Visited 56 countries, wrote 24 screenplays
Ready for a thrilling dive into history? Snag A War Too Far and let David Lee Corley’s Airmen Series sweep you into the heart of the Vietnam War!