Praise for Patrick K. O'Donnell and First SEALs Clive Cussler, New York Times bestselling author "A great American writer" Stephen Harding, bestselling author of The Last Battle "Well researched and very well told, First SEALs is a rousing tale of wartime derring-do that puts the Navy's current special warfare units in firm historical perspective--an absolute must-read." John C. McManus, author of The Dead and Those About to Die "Patrick O'Donnell is already one of America's foremost combat historians. This fascinating book now places him in the front rank of special operations historians. Based on many years of painstaking archival research and hundreds of interviews, First SEALs takes us deep into World War II naval special warfare, both European and Pacific. Beautifully written, original, and compelling from first page to last. I highly recommend this book.
" Alex Kershaw, bestselling author of The Liberator "A fantastic story of the first SEALs--brilliantly told! A must read." Flint Whitlock, Editor, WWII Quarterly magazine "One of our finest military historians, Patrick O'Donnell has crafted a terrific, unforgettable narrative of the forerunners of today's amazing Navy SEALs--that puts the reader right in the watery battlefield with them." Military Review , U.S. Army "One of the world's preeminent military historians" Sacramento Bee "The Navy's Sea, Air, and Land teams (SEAL) are rightfully legendary, but until now their origin has been obscured by time. In this behind-the-scenes history, readers learn how a World War II group known as the Maritime Unit became the template for today's elite special force." Portland Book Review , 3/5/15 "Those having interest in World War II history will love the result of [O'Donnell's] research.The writing in this book is very good, very readable.
" Proceedings , June 2015 "O'Donnell sets the scene for today's SEALs and provides the reader with the history of the inception of Navy special operations." Seapower , June 2015 "Much of the history of the MU was buried in classified archives until unearthed by the author." Military Heritage , July 2015 "Extensive research and interviews have now brought this story back to light. The author is an established authority on special operations forces and his new book sheds light on the origin of the SEALs." Norfolk Virginian-Pilot , 6/28/15 "Sheds light on a little-known contribution to maritime special warfare.A valuable addition to maritime special operations history, and serves the memory of men who went largely unrecognized for brave and dangerous feats.A good choice for a beach read." Military , January 2016 "An excellent book that brings to life the exploits of the members of the OSS Maritime Unit in WWII.
A great story about a generally unknown part of U.S. WWII military history. If your interest is Special Force operations, you need this book in your library.".