From bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell, the untold story of World War II’s first unit of special operations combat swimmers—precursors of today’s US Navy SEALs
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Praise
"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."—Flint Whitlock, Editor, WWII Quarterly magazine
Library Journal, 11/1/14
“[A] well-written chronicle of the SEAL's World War I precursor, the Maritime Unit…Through a combination of detective work in the National Archives and interviews with surviving members, O'Donnell successfully details the group's past, which provided the foundation upon which the modern SEALs were founded…This engrossing account of previously unknown World War II history will be of interest to military aficionados of all levels.”
Tampa Bay Times, 11/5/14
“Delves into the little-known World War II origins of the extraordinary military unit that is much in the news today.”
Sacramento Bee, 11/11/14
“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.”
Library Journal, 11/1/14
“[A] well-written chronicle of the SEAL's World War I precursor, the Maritime Unit…Through a combination of detective work in the National Archives and interviews with surviving members, O'Donnell successfully details the group's past, which provided the foundation upon which the modern SEALs were founded…This engrossing account of previously unknown World War II history will be of interest to military aficionados of all levels.”
Tampa Bay Times, 11/5/14
“Delves into the little-known World War II origins of the extraordinary military unit that is much in the news today.”
Sacramento Bee, 11/11/14
“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.”
Praise for Patrick K. O'Donnell and First SEALs
"A great American writer"—Clive Cussler, New York Times bestselling author
“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.”—Stephen Harding, bestselling author of The Last Battle
“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.”—John C. McManus, author of The Dead and Those About to Die
“A fantastic story of the first SEALs—brilliantly told! A must read.”—Alex Kershaw, bestselling author of The Liberator
