SEAL Team One

Captain Couch mentions in his introduction (updated from the original) that he felt this, his first effort, was his best. He may be right. This is the first book of his that I've read and it is excellent. I'm currently working on his "Sheriff of Ramadi" - his latest effort. Since I'm only in the third chapter, I'm not ready to review this book but so far, it's pretty dry. As for "Seal Team One", the semi-fictional (more fact than fiction in my opinion) story of a Seal team in country is fascinating and an eye opener. Since I was in the Navy in the same area during the same period (and beyond), I can relate to the story quite easily. I was not a Seal and this story is an excellent description of another war that was going on at the same time and in the same place as the war I fought. But if the reader is not former military or has no combat experience (give a prayer of thanks), this book will still make a terrific introduction to the soul of a warrior. You will enjoy it.

I’ve read numerous books on Nam and none of them are as gripping as Seal Team One. I also have a paperback version and Clive Cussler is quoted on the front cover saying it’s a great read. Mr. Couch takes you into the mayhem and pressure Seal Team members dealt with in planning and executing missions - with a focus on getting the job done and bringing their team home safely. Highly recommended!

I have read all but one of Dick Couch's books and know him personally. This book is fun to read, shows the reader what it was like to be a SEAL in Vietnam without you personally fighting the bugs, jungle, and Viet Cong. Dick's writing has progressed since this early novel but SEAL TEAM ONE will put you there. Civilians, need to know what it is like to put your life on the line in the dark of night in a terrain you are not familiar with and come back to camp with the adrenalin seeping out after a night ambush patrol. Dick's book, written from first hand experience, is a winner and a keeper for my war book shelf. Jim Misko, author, THE CUT OF PRIDE

A fantastic book regarding Navy Seals and/ in Vietnam.

I love the review by the "professional" critic...perhaps that critic didn't realize that the characters in here are "mostly white" and "drug-free" because the SEALs aren't drafted, they must volunteer, so that cuts out a LOT of people of all colors right away. Then you have to survive training so harsh that its rare for 1 in 3 to make it through even the first stage. Even today, fewer than 50 of 2500 SEALs are African-American. And no Special Forces people, regardless of service branch or even country, have the chance to slack off and screw around with drugs...when one operates in small groups of six to twelve routinely, everyone has to be in shape, and everyone has to contribute. The book is a great read, but I felt very annoyed by the holier-than-thou attitude of the paid reviewer.

I read Dick Couch's ALWAYS FAITHFUL, ALWAYS FORWARD and since I like his style of writing and his presentation, I read Seal Team One. I enjoyed this book as well. Most books relating to the Seals that I've read delt with the ones having to go to the sand pit; this one deals with 'Nam. Having been there myslef, many of the terms used were familiar. Good book and I have the utmost respect for these very intelligent guys that put themselves in harms way on every mission.

I could not tell... it felt like the author was telling his account through a third person...Felt more like a fiction book...

After reading this book, I gave it to a friend, who was a SEAL starting in 1969, in Vietnam. I come from a long line of veterans, myself included, and have many friends/family who served in Nam, so I have a great appreciation for the sacrifices our military makes. The SEALs are a cut-above (and part crazy), however. My friend was trained under some of the instructors in the book, so he can attest to the training. I thought the book was well written, and going by my friend's comments, pretty accurate and not embellished. Being a SEAL is definitely not a glamorous job with little praise or acknowledgment, but thank God for these guys...they get the job done and leave no man behind.