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WORLD WAR II

World War II marks the beginning of the modern day Naval Commandos, because the Navy SEALs trace their heritage back to the original Naked Warrior. The Navy Combat Swimmers led the way, reconnoitering and clearing landing beaches full of obstacles, making possible the allied beach landings of World War II. These brave men operated in every theater of the war, and their contribution greatly outweighed their numbers, a trend that will follow them throughout their long and colorful history.

KOREA

The forgotten Korea war began in 1950 and ended in 1953. The Underwater Demolition Teams fought heroically and with little fanfare during this conflict. The UDT started to employ demolition expertise gained from WWII and adapt it to an offensive role. Continuing the effective use of the water as cover and concealment as well as a method of insertion, the Korean Era UDT targeted bridges, tunnels, fishing nets and other maritime and coastal targets. They also developed a close working relationship with the Republic of Korea (ROK) UDT/SEALs, whom they trained, which continues to this day.

VIETNAM

Vietnam was where the UDT officially and experientially transformed into modern day Naval Commandos. It was in Vietnam that the SEALs legendary exploits and awesome combat effectiveness led them to be feared as "Devils with Green Faces" by the Viet Cong. Here the SEALs gained the almost mythical reputation that they have to this day. In early 1962, when America's presence in Vietnam was strictly at the advisory level, President Kennedy recognized the changing face of warfare and gave the thumbs up for the services to create their own special operation detachments. The Navy responded by commissioning two Sea Air Land Teams (SEALs). Initially they gained their numbers from the already diverse UDT. Experienced in explosives and diving, they received additional training in such mundane skills as safecracking, languages, special weapons and tactics, martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. Vietnam was their proving ground, and the SEALs won their part of that war.