Picture a storyteller who traded the cockpit of a fighter jet for a pen, crafting pulse-pounding tales of aerial combat and geopolitical intrigue—meet Richard 'Dick' Herman! A retired U.S. Air Force major, Herman’s techno-thrillers, like The Warbirds and Power Curve, weave his 240 combat missions into gripping narratives that have hooked readers from the White House to Japan. Now writing from Folsom, California, this master of military fiction brings the skies to life with every page.
The Making of Richard Herman
Born in 1939, Richard Herman Jr. lived a life of service before becoming a literary force. As a weapons system operator in the U.S. Air Force, he flew C-130s and F-4s, serving two tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. With over 240 combat missions, he earned a deep understanding of military life. After retiring in 1983 as a major, Herman taught at the Air Force Academy and worked as an operations plans officer, but his passion for aircraft inspired a new mission: writing. Settling in Folsom, California, he began crafting stories that captured the thrill and tension of the skies.
Richard Herman’s Unforgettable Stories
Herman’s debut novel, The Warbirds (1989), launched his career with a bang, introducing readers to Colonel Jack Locke and a high-stakes tale of military heroism. This critically acclaimed techno-thriller set the tone for his signature style: authentic, action-packed narratives grounded in technical detail and human drama. Power Curve (1997) followed, diving into geopolitical crises with a female U.S. president and intense aerial sequences that showcase Herman’s insider knowledge. His Matt Pontowski series, including Dark Wing (1994), explores global conflicts through the lens of a skilled pilot, while Call to Duty (1993) weaves WWII flashbacks with modern-day intrigue. Herman’s prose puts readers in the cockpit, blending romance, suspense, and meticulous aircraft descriptions that rival Tom Clancy and Dale Brown.
Known for series like Jack Locke, Matt Pontowski, and Madeline Turner, Herman also penned standalone novels like The Trash Haulers (2015), a vivid portrayal of the Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive. His later work, The Price of Mercy (2021), ventures into social issues, proving his versatility. With 17 novels, Herman’s stories resonate globally, praised by Clive Cussler as the work of “one of the best adventure writers around.”
Why Richard Herman Matters
Richard Herman’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the high-tech world of military aviation. His novels don’t just thrill—they honor the courage, sacrifice, and ingenuity of pilots and soldiers. By drawing on his combat experience, Herman offers an authentic voice that resonates with military fiction fans and casual readers alike. His global readership, from Poland to the U.K., reflects his universal appeal, while his influence endures in the techno-thriller genre, inspiring writers to blend technical precision with heartfelt storytelling.
- Born: 1939
- Key Works: The Warbirds, Power Curve, Dark Wing, Call to Duty
- Notable: Flew over 240 combat missions in Vietnam
- Hobby: Small craft sailing
Snag The Warbirds and dive into Richard Herman’s thrilling techno-thrillers—your front-row seat to the skies awaits!