First Seal

by Roy Boehm and Roy Boehm and Charles W. Sasser

Book Overview

Features introductions by both Richard Marcinko and John Weisman, co-authors of the bestselling Rogue Warrior series Back in Brooklyn, Boehm's mother once told him, You'll either grow up a hero...or... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671536257
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: Atria
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Spectacular book

I first checked out this book at Borders years ago, but didn't come around to reading it until my father was given a copy by some SEALs in the Phil. Navy, after he served with them in Mindanao. Well, First Seal by Roy Boehm and Charles Sasser is an interesting book. SEAL history won't be complete without the story of the man that started it all: Roy Boehm, the so-called Godfather of all SEALs. His narrative perfectly captures the high tension of World War II and the impending dangers the Cold War brought. From large-scale conflicts the US military was geared for, to the low-intensity conflicts and unconventional warfare it wasn't quite familiar with, Boehm had amazing insights about the nature of unconventional warfare. As early as the late 1950's, he already figured out that Vietnam would be America's next battlefield. He also delved deeply on the Bay of Pigs invasion (further detailed on in Grayston Lynch's Decision for Disaster). Boehm has an eye for some personal details about his early years in the Navy, and vividly retells the stories about his wartime service. The chapter where he lost his close friend to a shark made for some horrifyingly painful reading. It was a surprise for me that Survivor and Combat Missions' Rudy Boesch (yes, that's him) was also mentioned in the book because he was one of the first members of SEAL Two. Just like Richard Marcinko's commentaries about the Navy establishment and politics in his Rogue Warrior book series, Boehm also drives home his all-so-true writings on the same subjects, given the numerous courts-martial he faced and the red tape he had to cut through, simply because he pulled out all the stops to make sure that the SEALs he would form will be just as good as the Army's Special Forces. It's a very sad fact that true-blooded Warriors like Roy Boehm are getting fewer and fewer everyday. Boehm is indeed a man who would rather get down and dirty in the mud battling the enemy than lead from behind a desk, because leadership in battle is about being out in front of your men, and defined in just two words Boehm takes to heart: FOLLOW ME! I just found this book this afternoon after disappearing somewhere inside the house for three years, and I couldn't wait to read it again. It's a really cool book. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

First SEAL is the best so far!

Once I picked this book up, I never put it down! Before this book I was into Tom Clancy, but Boehm just put him in some seriuos shame! This book was awesome! It doesn't explain a whole lot about what SEALs go through training wise, but it does tell you alot about how they work and how they came to be. Roy Boehm was the first SEAL you know, he created them. The guy is awesome, he leaves some stuff out (government won't let him print it) but it's still a really great book. If your into SEALs or are just looking for a very interesting book, pick it up. I guarentee you'll love it.

Roy Boehm, a true American Hero

This is my first review and probably my last. My reason is to take exception to the comments of the reviewer from Dayton, Ohio. Not that Roy needs me to defend him, but in fairness a response is warranted. First Seal is an insight into one of America's greatest warriors. SEAL's are regarded as probably the finest unconventional warriors in the world and First Seal brings you the man responsible for them. This is an excellent book, especially for those seeking insight into their foundation. Yes, there are personal attacks, yes there is profanity, and it is not for the light of heart. But honesty is something not viewed through rose colored glasses either. The Navy is an institution, and as such viewed the SEAL's as a "necessary evil". That Roy succeeded and accomplished as much as he did is a tribute to his tenacity and his perserverance.But in addition to the story of the SEAL's, is Roy's story and that is what First Seal is about. Roy has done more and seen more than any of us could imagine. Don't dwell on the perceived inaccuracies, but read the book as it was intended. Roy's exploits are legendary and his men always knew where he was when things got tough, at the front of it all !! And as for the comment that there is no "I" or "Me" in "Team", remember.... There is no "We" in "Leadership"

An honest book by a true American Hero and Patriot!

No false bravado or bragadocio here. This book is simply an honest book by a real man, not a created myth. Roy Boehm was tasked with creating the Navy SEAL's, but that is just one of several amazing stories outlined in a military career that covered World War II through Veitnam. A shark pulling his injured friend from his arms after their ship is sunk, swimming into Cuba to verify missles during that crisis, an assassination of a double agent in the Dominican Republic and creating the SEAL's are just some of the stories. Oh yeah, he suck's his wife's drunken bald parakeet "Fluffy" up in a vacuum too! Slow to accept praise, quick to accept blame, honest to a fault and at times laugh-out-loud funny this book is a story about a unique individual who did some amazing things and thank God for the United States, he was on our side! A great read!

Best book about the SEALS written, you will not put it down.

Roy Boehm the father of us all has finally put it down on paper. Now you can appreciate the story of Americas best, most elite fighting unit from the originator. More than a story about the TEAMS this is a look into a mans soul. Without Roy's tenacity and personality the SEAL concept would have been little more than an unfulfilled idea of a great American President. No other person would have had the daring or the dedication to see this dream fulfilled. All that the TEAMS are today we owe to this unsung (except to those of us who know him) dedicated American Patriot. Thanks Roy for sharing your life with the world