First SEALs

“Very well told . . . a rousing tale of wartime derring-do. . . . An absolute must-read.” —New York Times–bestselling author Stephen Harding

In the summer of 1942, an extraordinary group of men untied to form an exceptional unit. Known as the Maritime Unit, it comprised America's first swimmer-commandos—an elite breed of warrior-spies who were decades ahead of their time when they created the tactics, technology, and philosophy that live on in today's Navy SEALs. Often armed only with knives and wearing nothing more than swim trunks and flippers, the Maritime Unit's combat swimmers and other operatives carried out seaborne clandestine missions in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean theaters of World War II.

In First SEALs, award-winning bestselling author and combat historian Patrick K. O'Donnell unearths their incredible history—one of the greatest untold stories of World War II.

“Beautifully written, original and compelling from first page to last.” —John C. McManus, award-winning author of September Hope

“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.” —Norfolk Virginian-Pilot