According to Conroy, his father would often sign copies of his son's novels, "I hope you enjoy my son’s latest work of fiction." He would underline the word “fiction” five or six times. "That boy of mine sure has a vivid imagination. Ol’ lovable, likable Col. Don Conroy, USMC (Ret.), the Great Santini
In 1976, Conroy published his first novel, The Great Santini. The main character of the novel is Marine fighter pilot Colonel "Bull" Meecham, who dominates and terrorizes his family. Bull Meecham also psychologically abuses his teenage son Ben. The character is based on Conroy's father Donald. (According to My Losing Season, Donald Conroy was even worse than the character depicted in Santini *
That, Contendahh, is called fiction. Not being a Conroy fan, you wouldn't have known that he wrote only one non-fiction work. I've two friends profiled in it.
Who Donald Conroy was:
Not that those provide you with any clues.
Comparing Trump to him is highly complimentary.
Please sir, may we have another?