Who is considered the first SEAL, officially? Were the first Seal instructors taken from the UDT teams?

The man credited as being the first Navy SEAL is a man by the name of Harry Beal. Beal enlisted in the United States Navy in 1948. A few years into his career (in the mid-50’s), he volunteered for Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) training. He was successful and would go onto serve as a UDT member until 1962.

The Navy SEALs were formed in 1962 branching off from the men of UDT’s. The Navy sought volunteers from the UDTs - looking for men who would be interested in pioneering the Navy SEAL Teams. Initially, SEAL Team One was created in Coronado, CA and SEAL Team Two was created in Little Creek, VA (where they currently remain even today). Each team was originally structured to have 50 men on each SEAL Team. As the Navy looked for UDT volunteers to become Navy SEALs, Harry Beal is recognized as having been the first man to sign up to be a part of these new teams. He was, quite literally the first man to sign up. Thus, he is recognized as “the first” Navy SEAL.

Harry was a man of small stature (standing only 5’ tall) but of incredible heart and strength. he served 20 years in the Navy, retiring in 1968 and survived time served in the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam. Harry passed away in 2021 at the age of 90 years old.

Source: DG Operator (Quora)

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