Even at an early age, D. Clayton Meadows knew he had to be a submariner. Inspired by stories told by his Grandfather, D. Clayton planned a life under the sea. He saved allowances and did jobs around local farms to earn money for books about submarines. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating Submarine School, D. Clayton was assigned to USS RAY SSN 653. D. Clayton completed the rigorous submarine qualification process in half the normal time. It was on USS RAY that D. Clayton participated in the first ever surfacing of three United States nuclear submarines at the North Pole Between deployments began building highly detailed submarine models. After his tour on USS RAY D. Clayton was assigned to NAVAL SUBMARINE TORPEDO FACILITY where he maintained and tested the Navy’s MK-48, and ADCAP torpedoes. On shore duty and with more time on his hands D. Clayton began building fully submersible, highly detailed radio controlled submarines. In 1989 he married his wife Susan. Following his shore tour he was assigned to USS MIAMI SSN 755, D. Clayton relocated to Groton Connecticut. In August 1990, D Clayton was transferred to USS DALLAS SSN 700. During this time DALLAS participated in Operation Desert Storm. While deployed in support of the war effort D. Clayton received word that his wife had given birth to their first son. Upon return from deployment, D. Clayton organized the first ever model submarine regatta. This event is now an annual affair and draws thousands from all over the world. D. Clayton was now a First Class Torepdoman, he qualified and stood the watch as Diving Officer; the only First Class to stand that duty. USS DALLAS deployed again this time far north. Details of that operation remain classified. D. Clayton was awarded a second son on his return from the Arctic. Completing his tour on USS DALLAS Meadows was detailed to NAVAL SUBMARINE SCHOOL. He began writing articles for various magazines dealing with model submarines, and naval history. By now his writing and models were winning awards and in demand. His models grace the desks of government leaders, celebrities, and collectors. In September of 1995 Meadows was advanced to the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. A year later he was at sea again, this time as Torpedo Division leading Chief on the Improved Los Angeles Class USS SPRINGFIELD SSN 761. He deployed three times while on SPRINGFIELD. While on board he began his first novel. He only worked on the manuscript while the ship was submerged. He ended his Naval career while serving on SPRINGFIELD. After leaving the Navy D. Clayton concentrated on his writing and modeling. After the attacks of 9/11 he attempted to re-enter the Navy. After being refused due to over manning he joined the Army National Guard. He serves as a gunner of an M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 263rd Armored. He lives in Charleston South Carolina.

Qualified in Submarines. Five Navy Achievement Medals. Arctic Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Services Medal National Defence Medal, Two Expeditionary Medals, Meritorious Unit Citation, and numerous other awards. Member of Military Writers Society of America. Member of Naval Submarine League. Member United States Armor Association. Member United States Marine Corps Association. Submarine and U-boat expert.