Robert Stone was an American author known for his novels, short stories, and essays. Born on August 21, 1937, he gained recognition for his works that often explored themes of war, politics, and the human condition. His most notable novels include Dog Soldiers, which won the National Book Award, and A Flag for Sunrise, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. In addition to his fiction, Stone was a skilled essayist and wrote extensively about literature and culture. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War, which influenced much of his writing. Stone's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on American literature.