About the Author

Benjamin H. Milligan became a US Navy SEAL in 2001 and served until 2009. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star and other awards. A native of Indianapolis, he received a BA in History at Purdue University and an MA in International Relations at the University of San Diego. Since the publication of By Water Beneath The Walls, he has balanced his writing with speaking and lecturing on leadership, organizational change, and American history at various universities, military commands, and veteran's events. When not traveling for research or leading a tour of an overseas battlefield, he lives in the Chicago area with his three sons.

Reviews

“A finely researched, highly satisfying read for anyone interested in the long gestation of America’s elite warriors.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Deeply researched, well organized, and incredibly engaging, By Water Beneath the Walls is one of the finest histories I’ve read about the formation and rise of the Navy SEALs. This is our legacy with all the warts, the challenges, and the heroics in one concise volume.”—Admiral William H. McRaven, former commander, United States Special Operations Command, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Make Your Bed

“Fascinating . . . Written with gusto and based on years of research, this history spans eight decades. Fast-paced and packed with colorful personalities and close-quarters gunfights, it vividly details the lineage of the SEALs. This tour de force confirms what we all suspected: SEALs are slightly crazy, and our nation is safer for it.”—Bing West, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Call Sign Chaos

“By Water Beneath the Walls is the SEAL book we needed. A deep dive into the SEALs’ roots, it is written with style and insight that could come only from someone who is part of the community. Milligan uses razor-sharp analysis and masterful storytelling to leave us with a clear understanding of not only how the SEALs came into being, but, more important, why.”—Kevin Maurer, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Lions of Kandahar and No Easy Day

“If you want to know how the Navy SEALs became the elite commandos they are today, this is the book for you. Ben Milligan is a detailed storyteller, and his book is a fascinating, page-turning read that deserves a place on any military history lover’s shelf.”—Former Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author Brandon Webb

“A well-researched, nuanced, and candid look at the evolution of American military special operations and, specifically, the expansion of the role of the Navy SEALs from a maritime/littoral-centric force to an inland, land-based capture/kill special operations component.”—Dick Couch, New York Times bestselling author of The Warrior Elite and Chosen Soldier