The Frogmen of World War II: An Oral History of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams

Chet Cunningham

Nov 2007 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

The exciting story of the Navy's Underwater Demolition Team—also known as the Frogmen of WWII—who were the precursors to today's Navy SEALs, in their own words.

As countless battlefronts in the Pacific, African, and European theaters called for direct amphibious assaults against islands and beachheads, a small corps of exceptionally skilled fighting men was formed—the U.S. Navy underwater warriors. Beginning in 1943, these men undertook never-before-attempted missions ranging from eye-to-eye recon of enemy-held positions to staging the demolition of shoreline obstacles and clearing the way for landing craft.

Here, in their own words, are the true stories of these aquatic commandos, whose daring exploits and bravery would pave the way for thousands of American fighting men around the globe—and whose revolutionary training and fighting methods would evolve into the modern special forces known as the Navy SEALs.

Ratings and reviews

I have read only a few pages of this book. It was not researched very well or Chett Cunningham who wrote it made a few errors when speaking about my Uncle John Tripson. My Uncle was the first of the Navy Scout instructors, he was awarded the Navy Cross for action in North Africa,and a battlefield commision. John Tripson was also first on the beach in Silicy, and first on the beach on D-Day on June 6 1944.Omaha beach in fact. If Chett ever bothers to read this review "Big John Tripson" my Uncle did not go to University of Alabama. He went to University of Mississippi.He broke many records there,one which will stand for all time. When Big John was on the field playing football not one net yard was ever gain on his side of the defense he was playing on for three years he played varsity ball!!His Bulldogs won the Orange bowl in 1941,, beating a heavly favored team. He was an All American, was drafted by the Detroit lions made All pro his rookie year and then joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor. John was born in Mission Texas.. Chett if you ever reprint your book make sure you get it right the second time. As years go by we tend to forget things,,,but My Uncle was proud of being a Texan and of playing ball at University of Mississippi!!! Also no on ""wins"" the Navy Cross or the Medal of honor or any other metal. They are "Awarded " a medal. winning something implies a contest where some one wins and others lose,,never ever state someone wins a medal!!!! Sincerely, Jimmy Tripson Big John's Nephew

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About the author

Chet Cunningham served in the army in post-war Japan and saw combat in the Korean War. He has written hundreds of westerns and military novels, and more than a dozen military nonfiction titles including the Military Book Club Selection Hell Wouldn't Stop. He has lived in San Diego, California, with his wife, Rose Marie, for more than forty years.