Norman DeLap was born and raised in New York State, the youngest of four children. He grew up on a farm with an extended family and never outgrew his small town values. He was a state employee until his retirement when he and his wife followed their daughters to Massachusetts. His interest in writing about his experiences in Vietnam was piqued by the realization of how little younger generations know about the conflict. He presently spends his time enjoying his grandchildren and several adopted pets.