Since the atrocities of September 11, 2001, a war on terror has been rather intimate with the collective psyche of Americans. Indeed, the mainstream media did cover the Afghan and Iraq Wars-from tactics of insurgent groups down to the military commands involved in these hotbed regions. But what seldom is less reported are personal stories of courage, heroism, and sacrifice which define life for those on the front lines.
One of those stories captured more vividly by New York Times best-selling author Eric Blehm is in his book entitled “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Operator Adam Brown.” Blehm shares the story of how Adam Brown, growing up carefree through his childhood in Arkansas, ultimately gave his life in Afghanistan as a Navy SEAL. It brings to life the story of Brown’s struggles with drug addiction, his salvation through faith, and his relentless drive for excellence within the Navy SEALs.
The story of Adam Brown was slightly different from others. After overcoming his addiction and finding a new purpose, he joined the Navy, wanting to be a SEAL. As he began to rise through the ranks despite severe injuries, which included the loss of four fingers from his right hand and his dominant shooting eye, Brown’s “no-quit” mentality saw him through grueling SEAL training into the elite ranks of DEVGRU, or more informally as SEAL Team Six. Blehm captures Brown’s life with a matching heart-wrenching and inspiring expression, pointing out the human side of military service.
The book “Fearless” is a resounding tribute to the perseverance and commitment of Navy SEALS, giving an almost overpoweringly personal view of what these elite warriors sacrifice. Blehm’s in-depth research combined with interviews from Brown’s fellow operators provides an authentic feel to the story that is compelling to any concerned reader of the true cost of war.
In the wider perspective of Navy SEAL literature, books stand out that narrate in detail about the training, missions, and a personal account of what happens within the SEALs. “No Easy Day” by Mark Owen narrates an inside look at the operation where Osama Bin Laden was killed; “American Sniper” by Chris Kyle stands as a fascinating account of one of the deadliest snipers in America. Marcus Luttrell, in his book “Lone Survivor,” narrates poignantly Operation Redwing and the heroism of SEAL Team 10.
Other areas receiving great focus in SEAL literature include practical skills and leadership lessons. Books like “100 Deadly Skills” by Clint Emerson and Chris Sajnog’s “How to Shoot Like a Navy SEAL” give deep insight into the tactics and strategies of the elite warriors. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin’s “Extreme Ownership” looks deep into the guiding principles that SEALs make decisions from and gives valuable lessons to be applied well beyond the battlefield.
The legacy of the Navy SEALs is not confined to contemporary battles. The ancestry of SWCC reaches back to World War II PT boats. Veterans like Jack Duncan, who served in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5, can recall their times with humor and humility. Duncan’s telling of the nocturnal strikes against Japanese shipping, combined with his change in rating from torpedo man to gunner’s mate and UDT combat swimmer, exude nothing but Naval Special Warfare spirit.
From the pine wood PT boats of WWII to the advanced craft of today’s SWCC teams, the guts and meaning of these elite units remained the same. They were made of other breeds of men: strong, with the will of iron and an attitude of “don’t quit.” As Duncan humorously said about the modern Navy uniform: “AAAAAGGGHPPPPFFFFFT! Does that answer your question?!”
In short, the stories of the Navy SEALs and SWCC crews represent a deep understanding of sacrifice and bravery that epitomize these elite warriors. Through literature, we feel a deeper appreciation for the resiliency and dedication of these men; their legacy will live on to inspire future generations.