Marcus Luttrell is a highly respected American author, renowned for his nonfiction books and his distinguished career as a Navy SEAL. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Luttrell grew up with his twin brother Morgan, sharing a strong bond and a love for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and wrestling alligators. Their early years were marked by rigorous training for the SEALs, which they began at the age of fourteen with retired United States Army soldier, Billy Shelton, who lived nearby.
Luttrell's commitment to martial arts and physical fitness was instilled in him from a young age, shaping his mindset and shaping his philosophy: "I will never quit. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.” This unwavering determination would serve him well throughout his military career.
In March 1999, Luttrell enlisted in the United States Navy, embarking on Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 226 in Coronado, California. Despite suffering a fractured femur early in his training, he persevered and graduated with Class 228. In 2001, Luttrell completed his training as a team medic, graduating from 18 Delta. His expertise as a medic would later prove invaluable during his service.
On June 28, 2005, Luttrell and SEAL Team 10 were assigned to a mission to kill or capture Ahmad Shah, a high-ranking Taliban leader responsible for killings in eastern Afghanistan and the Hindu-Kush mountains. This operation, known as Red Wing, would test Luttrell's courage, resilience, and dedication to his teammates, leaving a lasting impact on his life and solidifying his place as a respected figure in the military community.