Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipients

 U.S. Navy SEALs, who received our country's highest award for bravery:

Lt. Thomas Norris - Rescued 2 downed pilots in
Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, 1972 - The movie
  Bat*21 told the story of the rescue. 

Lt.(j.g.) Joseph Robert Kerrey - Valiantly led his men
to capture important members of the enemy's
 political cadre near Nha Trang Bay,
Vietnam, 1969

Lt. Michael P. Murphy- bravely put himself in the line
of enemy fire and called in support for his team,
Afghanistan, 2005

Lt. Michael Edwin Thornton - For saving the life
 of his superior officer, Lt. Thomas Norris,
in Vietnam, 1972

Senior Chief Edward C. Byers, Jr., received 
the MOH for his actions during a 2012
 rescue operation in Afghanistan.
 Details of the Mission:  http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2016/03/01/inside-navy-seals-medal-honor-rescue-mission/81153312/

U.S. Navy Medal of Honor Recipients

This is the Military Times website.  Read the complete citation for each Medal of Honor Recipient.  Type in "Navy Medal of Honor Recipients" in the Search box.

http://www.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/search.php

Tom Norris and Mike Thornton

The Story of Tom Norris and Mike Thornton.  Great site with more than just their story.

http://homeofheroes.com/brotherhood/seals2.html

Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy

What Lieutenant Murphy’s Medal of Honor Means to All SEALs

Submitted by Administrator on Mon, 10/15/2007 - 16:26.

in

• NavySEALs.com Editorials

Source: NavySEALs.com

by Mark Divine, Founder/CEO, NavySEALs.com

SEALs often take for granted the heroics of their own deeds. It’s part of the culture.
“Above and beyond the call of duty” is simply the standard by which Naval Special Warfare operators measure their every-day tasks. It is inherent to that part of the SEAL Ethos that demands we “earn our Trident every day”.

But even by such standards, Lieutenant Michael Murphy’s actions of 28 June 2005 were extraordinary. Surely he knew the risks associated with moving from a covered position to make a call for help, but he did it anyway. Why? Because the SEALs in his charge - his brothers - were in danger. And while in the open, cell phone in hand, calmly relaying his position to his team’s would-be rescuers, he took an enemy round squarely in the back. Un-phased, he picked up his phone and finished the conversation.

No one can know how he’ll perform under fire until the moment actually arrives. Michael Murphy’s conduct while engaged with the enemy not only exceeded the expectations of even the most battle-hardened combat veterans, but it also honored the tradition and memory of those SEALs who have sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom, but whose stories will never be told due to the highly classified nature of Special Warfare.

I like to think the President’s posthumously awarding Lieutenant Murphy the Congressional Medal of Honor recognizes, in part, the contributions of Naval Special Warfare as a community to the Global War on Terror. Nineteen SEALs have been killed in action since 11 September 2001. Not since Vietnam has the community suffered such losses.

Taking nothing away from Lieutenant Murphy’s remarkable courage and valor as an individual, his receiving our nation’s highest military honor nevertheless makes me proud for our entire community. We can never know exactly which influences or combination of values and experiences enabled Michael Murphy to perform as he did on that mountain in Afghanistan, but I think it’s fair to say that his SEAL brothers; BUD/s instructors, classmates, Teammates, and others; played a part. Each of us who wears the Trident should take great pride in that.

Glory-seeking is not the way of the SEALs. That said, I am profoundly satisfied that our nation is honoring Lieutenant Michael Murphy in the manner he so rightly deserves.

Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy

Class 236
Michael P. Murphy  (Top Row, Left)

http://www.navy.mil/search/photolist.asp

USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), and the final ship
of the original 62-ship procurement of the DDG 51 class shipbuilding
program, on its way to New York for commissioning ceremony on October 6, 2012.
(Navy photo released.)

NEW YORK (Oct. 6, 2012) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Thomas Kinn, assigned to the U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, The Leap Frogs, flies an American flag over the commissioning ceremony of the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) at Manhattan's pier 88. The new destroyer honors the late Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, a New York native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in combat as leader of a four-man reconnaissance team in Afghanistan. Murphy was the first person to be awarded the medal for actions in Afghanistan, and the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War. The ship will be based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Scorza/Released)

Operation Red Wing Medal of Honor Park

Hawaii

Michael Monsoor

Michael Monsoor, 2nd Navy SEAL who was killed in Iraq. This photo was taken during an extraction after a firefight and the smoke was used to conceal their movements to the enemy.

Photo:  Wikipedia

Michael Monsoor - Tribute

Very moving tribute to Michael:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfK2BQCIIes&noredirect=1

1st Class Charles Keating IV

U.S. Navy, Special Warfare Operator
1st Class Charles Keating IV, 31,
of San Diego. Navy SEAL Keating was shot and
killed Tuesday, May 3, 2016,
in Iraq during a gun battle that involved more
than 100 Islamic State fighters. 

(U.S. Navy via A.P.)

Navy SEAL Dan Healy - The 'Russkie' Frog

Tribute to Senior Chief Navy SEAL Dan Healy:

https://binged.it/2Gr54qZ

A Day of Mourning

We mourn the lose of our 'Silent Warriors' killed in Afghanistan, along with the other brave men who perished. We pray for them and their families. May God rest their souls.

P.O. 1st Class Nicolas Checque -
Rescue Mission - Afghanistan - 12/2012

Navy SEAL Brendan Looney (9/2010):

http://parade.condenast.com/297011/barryyeoman/brothers-forever-how-two-friends-came-to-rest-side-by-side-at-arlington-national-cemetery/

Navy SEAL Creed (Code)

SEAL Code: a Warrior Creed

Submitted by mark on Tue, 11/27/2007 - 19:23.

in

• NavySEALs.com Editorials

Source: Mark Divine, Founder, NavySEALs.com

11.28.07

Warrior creeds, such as the Ranger’s famous creed, have been around for over a century to guide the actions of operators on and off the battlefield. The creed is a code of conduct and inspirational daily reminder of the “reason we train and fight” for the men and women of these units. Many outside observers point to the mission of the units and preparation of the teams when describing who these people are. Warriors know better. It is the Warrior Ethos that best describes who they are, an ethos that has been shared, albeit with different words, with the Samurai, the Spartans, the Marines and other Special Operations forces around the world.

The SEAL Code was created just two years ago. Prior to this, the SEALs had an unspoken code defined by the culture, historical experience and training. “Leave no man behind” and “failure is not an option” are examples of cultural mantras that evolved as the unwritten “SEAL code” from the Teams battlefield experiences in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere. We have held to this code, never leaving a teammate in the field, dead or alive. Recent experience in Afghanistan with Medal of Honor winner LT Murphy and his teammates exemplifies this code of conduct.

The SEAL code, however, was not recorded or “written in stone” and as the community grew, it needed some grounding. Would it be more powerful if it were more than a few mantras like “leave no man behind” and “Failure is not an option?” It became clear to the SEALs that they needed a more comprehensive creed that was not subject to interpretation and erosion over time. In 2005 a cross-functional team from all ranks was brought together to ponder the issue and come up with a durable, written, code. The team took input from all quarters, and did some serious community soul searching to penetrate the essence of what it meant to be a SEAL. The results are nothing short of extraordinary.

How do you think the SEAL Code stands up? Will it be powerful and durable enough to guide Naval Special Warfare operators into a chaotic future, much as the Ranger Creed has done for the Rangers?

We at NavySEALs.com feel that the SEAL Code stands tall with the greatest creeds of martial history and is one of the most succinct articulations of how a warrior culture is to conduct themselves in war and peace. Read for yourself and decide:

The SEAL Code

• Loyalty to Country, Team and Teammate
• Serve with Honor and Integrity On and Off the Battlefield
• Ready to Lead, Ready to Follow, Never Quit
• Take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your teammates
• Excel as Warriors through Discipline and Innovation
• Train for War, Fight to Win, Defeat our Nation’s Enemies
• Earn your Trident everyday

United States Navy SEAL

In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed.

Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men.

Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me - my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.

Bravo! Let’s all try to live up to this wonderful code of conduct in our daily pursuit of excellence. I believe you would see some serious results.

Mark Divine

NavySEALs.com founder

Now that you've read it, feel the impact even more by seeing this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbXLfIrB5oU

Vietnam Unit Memorial, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA

Written by — Lt. Thomas Mason, USN

I AM YOUR WALL

The Rods and Wire of Steel at my Core are

For those Who gave their Lives

Never to return in Body.

They are the strength of our Wall.

The Mass of Mortar of my Body

Is for the Mass of Men and Women

Who left their Families and

Dedicated their Courage and Time to a Cause.

The Medal of Honors and Navy Crosses on my Face

Are for the strength and Resolve

For which We stood.

I am your Wall and

I stand before three Boats

That represent all the Units of our Conflict — all Conflicts.

I am your Wall,

Conceived and Nurtured and

Built with Loving Care and

Thought by a few for All.

I am your Wall,

Standing in Respectful Memory,

Hoping to have no others built like Me

But ready to Serve,

If ever called upon again.

I am your Wall,

Respect Me, Hold Me, Caress Me, Love Me,

As I Love You.

Navy SEALs - Notables

List of notable current and former members of the United States Navy SEALs and Underwater Demolition Teams:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Navy_SEALs

U.S. Navy SEAL Tradition

U.S. Navy SEALs prepare to swim the remains of former frogmen to their final resting place during a burial at sea ceremony at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla. The museum is on the original training grounds of the World War II Scouts and Raiders. This unique ceremony is steeped in tradition and honors all members of Underwater Demolition Team and SEAL special operations forces who have passed. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Robert J. Fluegel/Released)

SWCC - SPECIAL WARFARE COMBATANT-CRAFT

Everything you wanted to know!  Great video!
https://youtu.be/aC5VBgP...4TIEBC5VX4IQn6sHwJ...oWeLZ

Funeral Tradition - (Uniforms of the Day)

 (Sept. 30, 2010) A Navy SEAL pounds his Trident into the casket of Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) 3rd Class Denis Miranda during his funeral in Toms River, N.J. Miranda was one of nine service members killed when the helicopter in which they were traveling crashed in Zabul province in Southern Afghanistan Sept. 21. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Scorza/Released)

Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL), Daniel R. Healy is carried into a funeral service at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, San Diego. Healy was one of 16 U.S. troops killed when their MH-47D Chinook helicopter was shot down while trying to reinforce a U.S. reconnaissance team in Afghanistan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Patricia R. Totemeier (RELEASED)

SEALs wear their service dress blue
uniforms (chiefs and officers).

Members of the U.S. Navy Honor Guard fold an American flag over the casket
 of Lt. (SEAL) Brendan Looney during a funeral service at Arlington National 
Cemetery. Looney was one of nine service members killed in Zabul Province, 
Afghanistan after the helicopter they were traveling in crashed on Sept. 21.

Navy SEALs carry the casket of Special Warfare Operator (SEAL)
2nd Class Adam Smith from the funeral home in Macon, Mo. Smith
was one of nine service members killed when the helicopter in which they were
traveling crashed in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan, Sept. 21. 

B-29 - Reborn

WONDERFUL STORY ABOUT THIS B-29 SUPERFORTRESS:

http://mortefontainevillage.pa gesperso-orange.fr/marcbrecy/ b29.html

Funeral Traditions #2 - Burials at Sea

Boarding aircraft for burial at sea.

Pictures were taken aboard various ships.
All photos released by U.S. Navy.

World War II Burial At Sea - 1944 - Somber

Burial at sea video ... Here's a rather sad sea burial -  a somber and reflective video of 1 1/2 mins. Loyce Edward Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was  a gunner on a TBM Avenger. On November 5, 1944, Deen's squadron  participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times  by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser. Deen was killed.  The Avenger's pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier,  the USS Essex. Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided  to leave him in it.  It is the only time in U.S. Navy history (and probably  U.S. military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being  killed in action. http://loyceedeen.webstarts.com/uploads/GoingHome.mp4

U.S. Navy Honor Guard

All U.S. Navy Photos Released.

Bucklew Center - Coronado

Located at Naval Special Warfare in Coronado is the Bucklew Center. The center is home to basic and advanced SEAL schools and the Navy's top special warfare planners. The largest division within the center is dedicated to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training.

In 1986 the center was dedicated to retired Navy Captain Phil H. Bucklew. Inscribed on a bronze plaque is the following: 'Dedicated in honor of Captain Phil H. Bucklew for his heroic and lasting contributions to the inception and permanence of Naval Special Warfare.This center of excellence is a lasting monument to his courage, foresight and leadership.'

Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Bucklew reported for active duty as a Chief Boatswain's Mate and in 1943 received his commission as an Ensign. Serving in both Europe and the Pacific, he was an original member of the U.S. Navy Scouts and Raiders for Special Operations, the forerunners of today's SEALs. It was the mission of the Scouts and Raiders to act as guides for Army assault troops prior to invasion landings by scouting, locating and maintaining a position at a designated beach, hours before a landing.

During his military career, Captain Bucklew was awarded the Navy Cross with a gold star, the Legion of Merit, Silver Star and Joint Service Medal, the Croix De Guerre with Palm (France), the Ulchi Medal (Korea), commendations from the Republic of China and Great Britain, the Navy League Meritorious Citation.

If You Want an Engine --- Go Get It!

50th Anniversary

From Naval Special Warfare Command Public AffairsSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Special Warfare community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Navy SEAL teams Jan. 1.

In the late 1950s and early 1960, Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy determined a need for developing an unconventional warfare capability to counter a menacing Soviet threat, turmoil in places like Indonesia and Malaysia, and rising insurgency problems in South Vietnam.

In response to the demand for a maritime special operator, Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Arleigh A. Burke authorized the creation of the first two SEAL teams Jan, 1, 1962. SEAL Team 1 was established in San Diego, Calif. to support the Pacific Fleet. The team was established under the command of Lt. David Del Giudice. SEAL Team 2 was established in Little Creek, Va., to support the Atlantic Fleet. SEAL 2 was under the command of Lt. John Callahan. These first two SEAL teams were commissioned with a complement of 10 officers and 50 enlisted men taken from the ranks of the Navy's Underwater Demolition teams who made their mark in World War II and Korea investigating and removing all obstacles, both natural and manmade from beach landing locations.

Shortly after establishment of the teams, the inaugural class of Navy SEALs took to the jungles of Vietnam for reconnaissance, ambush, captures, raids, POW recovery, and other innovative and offensive efforts to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army operations and infrastructure. The teams were among the most decorated units in the Vietnam War.

While the character and mission U.S. Navy SEALs carried out then and now have not changed significantly, SEALs today have matured their tactical skills and capabilities from the days of KA-BARs, M-16s and PRC-77s. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is paying huge dividends in intelligence gathering and target tracking. Navy SEALs communicate intra-sound and across the world in real-time, and with video. Navy SEAL armories carry fearsome, hand-held weapons for every environment and situation. From the Mekong Delta to the Hindu Kush, deep at sea or far into the desert, SEALs have conducted some of our nation's most critical missions and are as relevant today, as they were when they were first created.

In spite of radical changes in technology and the times, the Navy SEAL of 2012 has the same dogged determination and exceptional toughness the 1962 "plank owner" possessed. Navy SEAL teams have an impressive battle field record, having earned every significant military award, including five Medals of Honor. Those successes do not come without countless acts of heroism and profound sacrifice. 'Never quit' and 'always win' are qualities that define the teams and its members vow to never compromise.

In his remarks to the force Jan. 10, Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, emphasized the importance of continuing the Navy SEAL legacy.

"I would ask you to look at the future, make a point to continue our successful legacy and keep our force relevant, continue to develop yourself personally, professionally, get education, get experience and look to the future and make sure that we continue to be successful and relevant for our Navy, for the Special Operations Command and for our nation," Pybus said

Father of the Frogmen

Christian James Lambertsen (May 15, 1917 - February 11, 2011) was an American environmental medicine and diving medicine specialist who was principally responsible for developing the U.S. Navy frogmen's rebreathers in the early 1940s for underwater warfare. Lambertsen designed a series of rebreathers in 1940 (patent issued 2 May 1944) and first called his invention Laru (Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit). In 1952 Lambertsen changed his invention's name to SCUBA. In spite of that diving regulator technology was invented by Emile Gagnan and Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1943 and wasn't originally related to rebreathers, nowadays' use of the word SCUBA is largely attributed to Gagnan's and Cousteau's invention. The U.S. Navy considers Lambertsen to be "The Father of the Frogmen."

The Lone Sailor Statue

The Lone Sailor is a little more than six feet tall, dressed in a dress blue jumper and wearing a peacoat. The statue is cast in bronze, but metal is mixed in from the USS Constitution and several other ships that have fought in U.S. wars.

Located at the Navy Memorial Center, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.