First SEALs

By Patrick K. O'Donnell

Subjects: United States. Navy. Underwater Demolition Teams, United States. Navy. SEALs, HISTORY / Military / World War II, World war, 1939-1945, campaigns, europe, Commando operations, HISTORY, World War II, World War, 1939-1945, World war, 1939-1945, united states, Armed Forces, United states, navy, seals, United States, Special Forces, Amphibious operations, Military campaigns, HISTORY / Military / Special Forces, Military, United States. Navy, History, Commando troops, Campaigns, United States. Office of Strategic Services

Description: "The rich history of SEAL Team 6 that captured Osama bin Laden stretches back to World War II when US intelligence officials formed a team of special-operation combat swimmers. Under the leadership of Captain Jack Taylor, a California dentist, the Maritime Unit (MU) started training in 1942, learning underwater and covert operation techniques, as it developed an array of James Bond-like new equipment, including the recently invented underwater breathing apparatus, limpet mines, silent electric motors, and a collapsible eight-foot submarine. Finally deployed in 1944, the unit conducted some of the most daring, behind-enemy-lines operations of the war in Italy, where they linked up with fearsome Italian commandos. In one of its greatest coups, they captured the plans--and the architect--of Germany's famed Gothic Line, resulting in the Eighth Army's partial breakthrough. Filled with unforgettable characters, including the unit's charismatic leader, a Hollywood star, and a gritty New York City gas station owner, The First SEALs cinematically narrates one of the greatest untold stories of World War II and links their storied past to today's gloried US Navy SEALs"--