SEAL history can be quickly traced back to World War II. A time of great need in the world for brave, intelligent, creative men to pave the way for the allied landings on enemy soil. Through the conquests and triumphs of the Navy's Underwater Demolitions Teams grew the legends of the "Naked Warriors". The SEALs, by that name, were not commissioned until the early 60s. Spurred by the kennedy Administrations approval of the Green Berets and the need for units with the type of tactical skills that the Green Beret represented prompted the Navy to form their own elite unit. Some people believe that the American unconventional warrior was forged in this era of our history. In fact this country was liberated from Imperial Rule by a brave and ruthless group of guerilla commandos that we reverently call "Minute Men". In fact one of the Revolutions greatest battles was a riverine operation at Delaware Crossing near Trenton, New Jersey.
This site will trace the Naval Commando's roots from the Naval Combat Demolition Units, Underwater Demolition Teams and Scouts & Raiders of WWII. There the Naked warrior emerged to clear the path for the Allied landings at Normandy and in the Pacific.
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World War II marks the beginning of the modern day Naval Commandos. The Navy SEALs trace their heritage back to the original Naked Warrior. The Navy Combat Swimmers led the way reconnoitering and clearing landing beaches of obstacles making possible the Allied Beach landings of World War II. These brave men operated in every theater of the great war and their contribution greatly outweighed their numbers, a trend that will follow them throughout their long and colorful history.
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Korea The forgotten war began in 1950 and ended in 1953. The Underwater Demolition Teams fought heroically and with little fanfare during this conflict. The UDT started to employ demolition expertise gained from WWII and adapt it to an offensive role. Continuing the effective use of the water as cover and concealment as well as a method of insertion, the Korean Era UDT targeted bridges, tunnels, fishing nets and other maritime and coastal targets. They also developed a close working relationship with the Republic of Korea (ROK) UDT/SEALs, whom they trained and which continues to this day.
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Vietnam was proving ground where the UDT officially and experientially transformed into the modern day Naval Commandos. It was in Vietnam that the SEALs legendary exploits and awesome combat effectiveness led them to be feared as "Devils with Green Faces" by the Viet Cong. Here the SEALs gained the almost mythical reputation that they have to this day. In early 1962, when America's presence in Vietnam was strictly at the Advisory level, President Kennedy recognized the changeing face of warfare and gave the thumbs up for the services to create thier own special operation detachments. The Navy responded by commissioning two Sea Air Land Teams (SEALs). Initially they gained their numbers from the already diverse UDT. Experienced in explosives and diving, they recieved additional training in such mundane skills as safecracking, lauguages, special weapons and tactics, martial arts and hand to hand combat. Vietnam was their proving ground. We can easily state that the SEALs won their part of that war.
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