Richard Marcinko, also known as "Dick," is a highly decorated American navy seal commander and novelist. He was born in Lansford, Pennsylvania, on November 21, 1940, and served in the United States Navy for over thirty years. Marcinko is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he completed two tours and led an assault on Ilo Ilo Hon that was later deemed the most successful SEAL operation by the US Navy in the Mekong Delta. His exceptional military service led to his command of SEAL Team Six, the Navy's anti-terrorist group, and Red Cell, a high-level anti-terrorist unit.
After retiring from the Navy as a full commander in 1989, Marcinko became a radio talk show host, author, military consultant, and motivational speaker. He draws from his vast military experience to provide valuable insights and advice in his various roles. Marcinko is the author of the Rogue Warrior thrillers, a series of novels based on his own life and military career. He has written these novels with co-authors John Weisman and Jim DeFelice.
Marcinko's autobiography, Rogue Warrior, was a #1 New York Times bestseller and served as the foundation for the fictional series. His military career included the establishment and command of SEAL Team 6, the Navy's premier counter-terrorism unit, and Red Cell, a high-level anti-terrorist unit. Marcinko's military service earned him numerous awards, including the Silver Star and four Bronze Stars for valor, two Navy Commendation medals, and other honors.
Since retiring from the Navy, Marcinko has remained active in the field as the president of a private international security company and makes his home in the Alexandria, Virginia, area. He is the CEO of SOS Temps Inc., his private security firm, Richard Marcinko Inc., a motivational training and team-building company, and Red Cell International, Inc., which conducts vulnerability assessments of high-value properties and high-risk targets. Marcinko is a living, breathing hero who has made significant contributions to the military and the field of security.