Learn about some of the most famous U.S. Navy Seals to date:

Roy Boehm

Rising through the ranks of the Navy during WWII and the Korean War, Boehm eventually completed Underwater Demolition Training in 1955 and developed the idea of an elite Navy task force capable of completing any mission anywhere in the world. His idea was turned into reality with the assembly of the US Navy SEALs. He became the initial Officer In Command of SEAL Team Two. Throughout his years in the SEALs, Boehm contributed to the design of various equipment and tactics still implemented by SEALs today.

Michael P. Murphy

After graduating from Penn State and being commissioned in the US Navy, Murphy became a Navy SEAL after completing training in 2002. On July 28, 2005, he was killed in an ambush in Afghanistan. Murphy, who died of wounds received while leaving cover in order to radio the team’s position to their command, was postnumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on that day. He remains the only member of the Navy to receive such an honor since the Vietnam War.

Thomas R. Norris

Norris originally intended to become a US Navy pilot, but was turned down from the pilot program due to his vision. He instead completed the BUD/S program, becoming a US Navy SEAL. In April of 1972, Norris received the Medal of Honor for his actions that assisted in the rescue of a downed flight crew in Vietnam.

Eric T. Olson

The first and only Navy SEAL to reach the rank of four-star Admiral, Olson is currently serving of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Since he graduated from the BUD/S course in 1974, he has completed a variety of tours of duty, including Mogadishu in 1993.

William Shepherd

Shepherd graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1971. After being commissioned to service, he completed BUD/S and served for several years on a Navy SEAL team. In 1978, he continued his education at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Afterwards, he joined NASA and has served on multiple assignments, including the first crew of the International Space Station.

Michael Thornton

After successfully completing BUD/S in 1968, Thornton was assigned to SEAL Team One, with which he completed several tours during the Vietnam War. On October 31, 1972, while patrolling near the coast of Vietnam, his unit came under heavy enemy fire. After his senior officer Thomas Norris was seriously wounded, Thornton carried him to the coastline and kept him afloat in the water for two hours until they were rescued by friendly naval forces. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Interested in becoming a Navy SEAL?Learn more about serving in the Military