Michael J. (Mick) Malone OAM was born in Binnaway, NSW, in 1947 and joined the Army in 1966 in response to the Vietnam War. He was selected to join the Special Air Service Regiment in 1967 and served in Vietnam with 3 Sqn SASR in 1969-70. 

After returning from service, Mick remained an active member of SAS counter-terrorism and vehicle mounted troops, and was highly influential on young soldiers while on postings that took him to the Royal Military College, Duntroon; School of Infantry, Warminster (UK); RSM, 1 Commando Regiment, Sydney; and as 2IC of SAS Training Squadron. 

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After retiring from active service in 1993, he has had great success as a museum administrator, military book dealer, and author, including the highly successful SAS - A Pictorial History of the Australian Special Air Service, 1957-1997 (1997), and the widely acclaimed SIMMO – A Biography of Ray Simpson, VC, DCM – One of Australia's Greatest Soldiers (2015). Decorated with the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the military, Mick Malone is a father and grandfather, and lives in Perth with his wife, Jo.