Philip Keith

Phil Keith holds a degree in history from Harvard and has done master's work at Long Island University and the Naval War College. After graduating from Harvard, Phil went directly into the Navy and became an aviator. During Vietnam, he served with distinction and was awarded, among other decorations, the Air Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal. After his wartime service, Phil rose to the rank of Commander in the Naval Reserve and is also a licensed US Coast Guard Master's Mate. As a business executive, he worked for two Fortune 500 firms and is a former assistant professor of business at Long Island University. Since 2007 Phil has been an adjunct instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design, teaching marketing and writing courses. His first Vietnam book, Blackhorse Riders, from St. Martin's Press, won the 2012 award from USA Book News for Best Military Non-Fiction, was a finalist for the 2013 Colby Award, and earned a 2013 silver medal from Military Writers Society of America. His second Vietnam book, Fire Base Illingworth was also released by St. Martin's Press, in 2013. Through Zenith Press, he has authored "Stay the Rising Sun," an account of the crucial WW II Battle of the Coral Sea and the loss of the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in May, 1942. Phil is a member of VFW Post 5350, American Legion Post 924, the Disabled American Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America. He lives in Southampton, New York, with his partner Laura Lyons and son Pierce.