The Frogmen of World War II
An Oral History of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams
Chapter One: Naval Special Services Unit No. 1: The First Frogmen
Before the Navy SEALs, there were the Underwater Demolition Teams. Before them came the Scouts & Raiders, and before them were the Navy Combat Demolition Units. But there was another group even before the NCDUs. It was called the Naval Special Services Unit No. 1, also known as the Amphibious Scouts.
A lot of military historians know little about Special Services Unit No. 1 because it was a top-secret group in the U.S. Navy created for a special purpose. Pat and Hank Staudt have done a heroic job of researching the beginnings of the group and much of that work is included here.
Pat and Hank Staudt
Coast watchers in the Pacific Theater had provided much information since their formation on September 8, 1939, but the need in 1942 exceeded their personnel. Most of the first watchers were planters, teachers, missionaries, and prospectors who lived in the affected areas. Soon the need for more extensive reliable intelligence prompted a pla ... read full excerpt from The Frogmen of World War II: An Oral History of the U.S. Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams ebook
