10 Navy SEALs That Are Well-Known and Heros In The Teams

The Unsung Heroes Hiding in Plain Sight Within the SEAL Teams

When people talk about 10 Navy SEALs you may never read about but they're heroes in the Teams, the conversation rarely makes the headlines. Most Americans know Chris Kyle, Marcus Luttrell, or Jocko Willink. But for every SEAL whose name lands on a bestseller list, there are dozens more who did just as much — or more — and stayed completely silent about it.

Here is a quick look at the 10 lesser-known Navy SEALs this article covers:

1. Solomon Atkinson - One of the Navy's first 60 SEALs; trained all 64 Apollo and Gemini astronauts
2. Michael Edwin Thornton - Medal of Honor recipient who swam three hours carrying a wounded teammate to safety
3. Michael J. Walsh - Led 105 CIA mercenaries in Vietnam at age 22 with a strict no-torture policy
4. Will Chesney - Handler of Cairo, the SEAL dog on the Bin Laden raid, and PTSD survivor
5. Harry Beal - The very first volunteer for the Navy SEAL program in 1962
6. Adam Brown - SEAL Team 6 operator who lost an eye and fingers yet kept serving
7. Kevin Ebbert - Combat medic and loyal teammate who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan
8. John Faas - SEAL Team 6 chief who cleaned toilets on day one of sniper school to lead by example
9. Adam Olin Smith - Died in a 2010 helicopter crash; known for never leaving a teammate alone in a fight
10. Thomas R. Norris - Medal of Honor recipient rescued by the very teammate he inspired

These are not household names. But their stories are just as powerful — sometimes more so — than the SEALs you already know.

The SEAL community has a phrase: quiet professional. It means doing the hardest things imaginable, then going home without talking about it. Only about 2,500 active-duty SEALs serve at any given time, selected from a pipeline where the BUD/S dropout rate regularly exceeds 80%. The men on this list cleared that bar — and then some.

I'm Larry Fowler, publisher of USMilitary.com, and through nearly two decades of covering military service, veteran benefits, and special operations history, I've had the privilege of researching the 10 Navy SEALs you may never read about but they're heroes in the Teams whose stories deserve far more attention. Read on — these operators earned it.

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10 Navy SEALs You May Never Read About, But They're Heros In The Teams

Within the tight-knit community of the Naval Special Warfare Command, reputation is everything. Long before any books are written or movies are optioned, operators are judged strictly by their performance, their loyalty, and their willingness to put the team before themselves. The history of these elite maritime warriors is filled with legends who never sought the spotlight.

To help put their service into perspective, we have compiled a quick reference table showing the main combat eras and primary achievements of these ten legendary operators:

Let’s dive deep into the lives and legacies of these incredible men.

1. Solomon Atkinson: The Native Alaskan Pioneer

Solomon Atkinson grew up in the remote, tight-knit Native Alaskan Metlakatla community. He spent his youth working on commercial fishing vessels, developing a deep comfort with freezing, turbulent waters. When he joined the military, he volunteered for the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and eventually became one of the original plank holders for SEAL Team 1 in 1962.

Atkinson completed multiple deployments to Vietnam, where he earned a reputation as a fierce, highly capable operator in the muddy waters of the Mekong Delta. He survived a blast from a claymore mine that was accidentally mounted to a decaying tree, which knocked him unconscious and peppered him with shrapnel.

Beyond combat, Atkinson made a massive impact on the United States space program. He was tasked with training all 64 Apollo and Gemini astronauts—including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin—in underwater survival and recovery procedures. After retiring from 22 years of active service, Atkinson returned to Alaska, where he served as mayor of Metlakatla and dedicated his remaining years to helping fellow veterans overcome addiction and find peace. You can read more about his extraordinary path in this profile on How a Native Alaskan became a legendary Navy SEAL.

2. Michael Edwin Thornton: The Swimmer of Vietnam

Michael Edwin Thornton’s actions in Vietnam represent one of the most astonishing stories of combat survival in military history. In October 1972, Thornton was part of a small reconnaissance patrol that came under heavy fire from a vastly superior enemy force. During the chaotic retreat, his commanding officer, Lieutenant Thomas Norris, was shot in the head and believed to be dead.

Refusing to leave a teammate behind, Thornton ran directly back into the enemy fire, located the unconscious Norris, and carried him through a hail of bullets to the water. Thornton inflated Norris’s life jacket and swam for three grueling hours through rough ocean currents to keep them both alive until they were rescued by support vessels.

Thornton was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon in 1973. Throughout his life, he wore the medal with immense humility, often noting that the award belonged to the teammates who didn't make it home. His bond with Norris remained unbreakable for the rest of their lives. Discover more about how these legendary operators earned their place in history in this detailed look at The Amazing Stories of How 7 US Navy SEALs Earned the Medal of Honor - 19FortyFive.

3. Michael J. Walsh: The Ethical Interrogator

At just 5'4" and 120 pounds, Michael J. Walsh did not look like the stereotypical Hollywood special operator when he entered the Navy. However, he possessed an iron will that carried him through the brutal physical and mental challenges of the early 18-week SEAL training pipeline.

Walsh went on to serve five consecutive tours in the "brownwater Navy" of Vietnam, repeatedly volunteering to extend his time in-country far beyond the standard 180-day limit. At just 22 years old, he was assigned to lead 105 local mercenaries under the CIA’s highly classified Phoenix Program.

Despite the intense pressure and brutal nature of the conflict, Walsh enforced a strict no-torture policy during interrogations. He believed that physical coercion was far less effective than psychological intellect and establishing trust. His approach saved lives, gathered highly accurate intelligence, and earned him immense respect within the teams. To understand the ethical codes and hidden practices that guide these operators, check out our guide on 10 Top Die Hard Secrets Navy SEALs Keep To Themselves.

4. Will Chesney: The Handler of Cairo

The War on Terror introduced new tactical challenges, leading to the integration of highly trained military working dogs into elite special operations units. Will Chesney was a SEAL operator who volunteered to become a canine handler, eventually partnering with a Belgian Malinois named Cairo.

Chesney and Cairo developed an unbreakable bond. Cairo was shot and severely wounded during a firefight in 2009, and Chesney personally carried him to medical aid, saving his life. In 2011, the duo participated in Operation Neptune Spear—the historic raid that targeted Osama bin Laden. Cairo was the only military working dog on the mission, tasked with securing the perimeter and detecting hidden explosives.

When Chesney returned to civilian life, he struggled with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained from a grenade blast. He credits his ultimate recovery to the emotional support of Cairo, whom he was eventually allowed to adopt. Chesney's story highlights the deep sacrifices made not only by human operators but also by their four-legged teammates.

5. Harry Beal: The First Volunteer

Every legacy has a starting point, and for the Navy SEALs, that starting point was Harry Beal. When President John F. Kennedy officially established the Navy SEAL teams in 1962 to counter unconventional guerrilla warfare, they needed volunteers from the existing Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT).

Beal, a rugged and experienced UDT frogman, was the very first person to step forward and volunteer for the brand-new program. He helped establish the initial training standards and operational tactics that would define the SEALs for decades to come.

Beal served as a plank holder for the newly formed teams, setting a high standard of physical toughness, quiet dedication, and selfless service. He never sought fame or public recognition for being the "first," choosing instead to let his work speak for itself. You can read more about the early pioneers who shaped the organization in our article on Famous US Navy SEALs.

6. Adam Brown: The Unstoppable Operator

Adam Brown’s journey to the highest echelons of special operations is a masterclass in resilience and personal accountability. Before joining the military, Brown battled a severe drug addiction that nearly destroyed his life. Through faith, determination, and the support of his family, he cleaned up his life and enlisted in the Navy, eventually earning a spot in the ultra-elite SEAL Team 6.

During his career, Brown faced catastrophic physical setbacks. A training accident cost him his right eye, and a subsequent vehicle accident severed the fingers on his dominant hand. Rather than accepting a medical discharge, Brown spent countless hours retraining his body, learning to shoot with his non-dominant eye and left hand.

He successfully remained on active duty as a Tier 1 assault operator, proving that mental toughness can overcome almost any physical limitation. Brown was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010 while shielding his teammates from enemy fire. His legacy remains a powerful source of inspiration throughout the military community.

7. Kevin Ebbert: The Fallen Corpsman

In the Navy SEALs, the combat medic—or corpsman—is one of the most vital roles on any deployment. Kevin Ebbert was a highly skilled operator and tactical medic who balanced extreme physical capability with deep intelligence and compassion.

Ebbert served as a corpsman during a deployment to Afghanistan, where he was responsible for keeping his teammates alive in the most hostile environments on earth. He specialized in "buddy-aid," the rapid, under-fire medical treatment that keeps wounded operators stable until they can be evacuated.

In late 2012, Ebbert was killed by an enemy sniper during a fierce engagement in Afghanistan. He gave his life while attempting to protect and treat his fellow teammates. Within the Teams, Ebbert is remembered as a brilliant, selfless professional who embodied the core value of putting others before oneself.

8. John Faas: The Chief Who Led by Example

John Faas was a highly respected Chief Petty Officer within SEAL Team 6. Known for his quiet demeanor, sharp tactical mind, and incredible sniper skills, Faas was the epitome of a leader who led from the front.

An anecdote frequently shared in the teams describes Faas arriving at a highly competitive sniper school as an experienced Chief. Rather than using his senior rank to avoid mundane chores, Faas immediately grabbed a brush and began cleaning the toilets on his first day, setting a powerful example of humility for the younger students.

Faas was tragically killed in August 2011 when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, callsign Extortion 17, was shot down in Afghanistan, marking the single costliest day in U.S. Special Operations Command history. His legacy of humble leadership and absolute dedication remains a cornerstone of the Team's culture.

9. Adam Olin Smith: The Loyal Teammate

Adam Olin Smith was an exceptional operator who served with distinction during multiple deployments in support of the War on Terror. Among his peers, Smith was known as the ultimate "team-first" operator—the kind of teammate who would never hesitate to put himself in harm's way to protect another.

Smith’s teammates often remarked that he was the first to volunteer for dangerous tasks and the last to complain about miserable conditions. He lived by the simple rule that no teammate should ever have to fight alone.

In September 2010, Smith was killed alongside several of his teammates in a tragic helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Though his name is rarely mentioned in mainstream media, his unwavering loyalty and warrior spirit are spoken of with deep reverence by those who served alongside him.

10. Thomas R. Norris: The Rescued Hero

Thomas R. Norris was an officer whose quiet, soft-spoken nature disguised an incredibly fierce combat spirit. In April 1972, Norris led a groundbreaking search-and-rescue mission deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam to rescue two downed U.S. Air Force pilots.

Norris disguised himself as a local fisherman and traveled by night in a sampan, navigating heavily patrolled enemy waterways to locate and successfully extract the pilots. Months later, during a separate reconnaissance mission, Norris was shot in the head and left for dead on the battlefield.

As detailed earlier, Norris was miraculously rescued by his close friend and teammate, Michael Thornton. Norris survived his severe injuries, went on to receive the Medal of Honor, and later served as a distinguished agent in the FBI. His incredible story of survival and rescue is one of the most celebrated legends within special operations, and you can read more about him in our profile on the Most Famous Navy SEALs.

The Quiet Professional Ethos vs. Modern Media Fame

The rise of social media, best-selling memoirs, and blockbuster movies has created a strange paradox for the modern Navy SEAL community. While the public is fascinated by the exploits of elite operators, the foundational culture of Naval Special Warfare is built on the concept of the "quiet professional."

This ethos is clearly defined by the Ethos of the U.S. Navy SEALs - National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, which emphasizes that an operator's true reward is the respect of his peers, not public acclaim.

Why 10 Navy SEALs You May Never Read About But They're Heros In The Teams Stay Out of the Spotlight

There are several reasons why the most respected heroes in the Teams choose to stay out of the public eye:

• Operational Security (OPSEC): Many missions rely on tactics, techniques, and partnerships that must remain classified to protect future operations and active-duty lives.
• Humility and Teamwork: In a culture where the team is everything, claiming individual credit for a collective success is seen as a major breach of trust.
• Respect for the Fallen: Many quiet professionals feel that writing books or seeking fame capitalizes on the tragedies and losses of their fallen brothers.
• The "Trident" Standard: The SEAL Trident is a symbol of earned trust, and true operators believe that trust must be re-earned every single day on the job, not marketed to the public.

Applying the Warrior Creed to Civilian Leadership

While most civilians will never have to navigate a swamp in the Mekong Delta or clear a compound in Afghanistan, the core principles that guided these ten unsung heroes are highly applicable to everyday life, business, and organizational leadership.

The same values that allow a BUD/S class to survive training can help a corporate team navigate high-stakes market disruptions. You can explore how these principles have shaped American culture in our discussion on 15 Navy SEALs That Impacted America And Your Life Today.

Lessons in Leadership from 10 Navy SEALs You May Never Read About But They're Heros In The Teams

By studying these lesser-known operators, civilian leaders and organizations can adopt several valuable practices:

1. Collective Responsibility: In BUD/S training, if one candidate fails, the entire class is punished. This builds a culture where teammates proactively help each other succeed rather than focusing solely on their individual performance.
2. Extreme Humility: Leaders like John Faas proved that no task is beneath a leader. When senior executives are willing to do the "dirty work" alongside their employees, it builds unbreakable trust and respect.
3. Calm Amid Chaos: Operators spend the vast majority of their careers training to remain calm, cool, and collected during chaotic situations. In business, a leader who panics during a crisis infects the entire team with fear; a leader who remains calm enables strategic, rational decision-making.
4. Ethical Boundaries: Michael Walsh’s refusal to use torture shows that maintaining your ethical standards under extreme pressure is always more effective—and honorable—than taking shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unsung Navy SEAL Heroes

Who was the first volunteer for the Navy SEAL program?

Harry Beal was the very first volunteer for the Navy SEAL program when it was officially established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Beal transitioned from the existing Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) to help forge the initial standards of the SEALs.

How many Navy SEALs have received the Medal of Honor?

Only seven Navy SEALs have been awarded the Medal of Honor since the teams were established in 1962. These recipients include legendary operators like Michael Murphy, Michael Monsoor, Michael Thornton, and Tommy Norris.

Why do some heroic Navy SEALs remain completely unknown to the public?

Many of the most heroic operators choose to remain anonymous due to a strict adherence to the "quiet professional" ethos, a desire to protect operational security, and a belief that individual recognition detracts from the collective accomplishments of the team.

Conclusion

The stories of these ten extraordinary operators remind us that true heroism is not defined by book deals, social media followers, or movie adaptations. It is defined by the quiet choices made in the darkest corners of the world—choices to run back into enemy fire, to lead with humility, and to put the lives of teammates above one's own.

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We invite you to Explore the Complete Guide to Navy SEALs or visit our main homepage at USMilitary.com to learn more about our comprehensive veteran resources and special operations history. Thank you for your service, and let us never forget the quiet professionals who watch over our nation in the shadows.