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Product Details
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The SEALs created a legend that would grow throughout the war -- and earn an enemy bounty for anyone who could capture or kill a US Navy SEAL. But behind the myth and mystique was a remarkable fighting machine, a team of soldiers who knew their job and maintained their discipline in the face of firefighters, ambushes, and missions gone horribly wrong. In Gormly's vivid, gut-wrenching descriptions, the Mekong comes alive, as hours of careful stalking explode into incredible fusillades of violence -- including one in which Gormly's hand was nearly shot off. His unprecedented acts of heorism and daring brought Gormly recognition as well as numerous awards for both the success of his strikes and his ability to bring his men back alive.
In a career that included two tours of duty in Vietnam, as well as top-secret missions in the Persian Gulf, Gormly examines war from a strategic point of view as well as from his own personal experience. With insight and eloquence, he goes on to chronicle SEAL life after Vietnam, including what is perhaps the most graphic description ever of SEAL action in the chaotic invasion of Grenada.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Three Soldiers' Stories,
This review is from: Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal (Paperback)
I've never served in the military, but I have great respect for those who follow that kind of life. I also have great interest in history, military strategy and tactics, and behavior in combat situations. I therefore checked out the following special-forces-related books from the library: Rogue Warrior, by Marcinko, Combat Swimmer, by Gormly, and Inside Delta Force, by Haney.
Marcinko's book is a classic testosterone-driven, adolescent Hollywood adventure story. I mean that in a (mostly) good way. The author's focus is on himself, on his grand escapades, and his ability to destroy his enemies, whether at war or in the chain of command. It makes for a fun read, although I never knew how much Marcinko might be inflating his exploits. Gormly is in many ways the anti-Marcinko. Of course they knew each other, and Gormly goes into some detail about inheriting Marcinko's SEAL team and getting the house back in order. But more than that, Marcinko represents the unihibited ego, breaking all the rules and doing whatever he wants. Gormly is all about responsibility and chain of command. Don't get me wrong; he's not at all boring, but definitely comes off as a stiffer sort of character. I'd rather work for Gormly (more job security; less likely to get killed unexpectedly) but I'd rather have a beer with Marcinko (though too much of that, and you probably increase your chances of getting killed unexpectedly). Haney strikes somewhat of a balance. He's more individualistic than Gormly, but more disciplined than Marcinko. He's also the best writer of the three, with a good mix of gritty reality and genuine philosophical reflection. That's probably why I liked his book the best. Marcinko's book is a fun ride, like a blockbuster action movie, but in the end didn't leave me with much to think about. After reading Gormly's book, I admired the man a great deal but didn't particularly like him. Haney provides all the adventure but he's clearly more of a thinker than the other two, and I can imagine a long, fascinating evening's conversation over a bottle of scotch. I suspect that you would find all three types of individuals (and many more) in the military, and you probably need all of them to get the job done. All three memoirs are highly entertaining and quick reads. Which you prefer probably depends to some extent on your own personality.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A exciting look at the inside of the SEAL Teams!,
This review is from: Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal (Paperback)
Captain Robert Gormly takes the public on an inside tour of the SEAL community. Through BUD\S, two tours in Vietnam, and becoming CO of SEAL Team Six, Captain Gormly tells the true stories of it all! Go along with SEAL Team Six as they retake the Achille Lauro. Set ambushes in the jungles of Vietnam. Experiance Hell Week. With Combat Swimmer, you can! For the future Frogmen, this one is for you!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better than the other, similar books,
By A Customer
This review is from: Combat Swimmer: Memoir of a Navy Seal (Hardcover)
A very enjoyable book. It has more interesting detail about operations than books like "Rogue Warrior," without the obscenity, which may dissapoint some readers. Gormly is rough on Marcinko, even going back to the Vietnam period... "he was leading from the rear." Ouch! Gormly oversaw, and participated in, so many high profile military conflicts that it is a "must read" for anyone who likes combat books.
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