First SEALs

The Untold Story of the Forging of America's Most Elite Unit

By: Patrick K. O'Donnell

Narrated by: John Pruden

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

From best-selling author Patrick K. O'Donnell comes the untold story of World War II's first special operations combat swimmers - the forerunners of today's Navy SEALs.

In the summer of 1942, an extraordinary group of men - among them a dentist, a medical student, a Hollywood star, an archaeologist, a British commando, and even former enemies of the Allies - formed an exceptional unit that would later become the US Navy's Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams. 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 the Navy SEALs and shape the battlefield of today.

During the war, the unit conducted some of the most daring operations behind enemy lines, but after the war its astonishing record was classified, lost, and buried - until now. In First SEALs, Patrick K. O'Donnell tells the remarkable story of World War II's Maritime Unit - one of the greatest untold stories of World War II.

©2014 Patrick K. O'Donnell (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Did you know Gama men blazed trail for the teams?

OK - you’ll need to check the book out to learn the Gama men and how they were the most feared frog in the water during the days of WW2. That said - I like the book and the narration is not bad. The transitions between chapters and stories is smooth and hooked me to keep going. Did you know a pistol but strike to the temple works when out of anesthesia? But I wouldn’t recommend trying that because it’s a forgotten art. Their are many - many stores of how the pioneers of special operations used innovation and raw guts to get the mission done. Five stars and my recommendation on a well written book.

Short book

Very short book. It sure seems like there could have been more info in it.

really great storytelling slightly confusing

great story with amazing tales only complaint is that its not very linear and is somtimes hard to follow

History of the OSS MU

This was an outstanding listen, the work done to bring together all of these stories is nothing short of astonishing. I enjoyed it a lot!

Very informative

Easy listen and very informative , learned a lot more about OSS than just their legendary stories but also the struggles they dealt with as a new organization and how they adapted.

Great book

I enjoyed the whole book great writing and great historical information. The narrator was top notch.

Great book

Very interesting where our Navy SEALS got their start, but also an amazing story of true heroes fighting for our freedom! Well written and very well read! Highly recommend for anyone interested in WWII history!

First Seals

Slow wind up, but a good finish. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but I stuck with it. Could be long-winded at times.

Misleading headline

While this is a very good book on the history of the OSS, there is not much, other than some talk in the epilogue that provides much connection to the Navy Seals. I wish the author would have tied them together better in the story. Still a good read as is his book The Brenner Assignment.

Outstanding

This book was entertaining, informative, educational, enlightening, and really outstanding. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to understand our history and be proud of the people who have fought for freedom. Thank you so much for writing this book.