Phil Keith is an award-winning author and former navy aviator. During three tours in Vietnam, he served with distinction and was awarded, among other decorations, the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Commendation Medal. His book Blackhorse Riders won the 2012 USA Best Book Award for Military History; was a finalist for the 2013 Colby Award; and earned a 2013 silver medal from the Military Writers Society.