The Painted Frog

The Painted Frog is the remarkable legacy memoir of Pete "The Pirate" Carolan—UDT 13 Navy SEAL Frogman, Apollo 13 Capsule recovery team, combat artist, Vietnam veteran, and founder of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation. Through his extraordinary life, readers are taken inside the origins of America's elite maritime warriors, tracing the evolution of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) into today's legendary U.S. Navy SEALs.

More than a military memoir, The Painted Frog preserves the untold history of the Frogmen through firsthand accounts, rare photographs, and personal reflections from members of BUD/S Classes 47, 49, and 50. The book reveals Pete Carolan's influence on Naval Special Warfare—including stories surrounding the artwork that inspired elements of the iconic Navy SEAL Trident—and his service during the Vietnam War, the Apollo 13 recovery mission aboard Helicopter 66, and the creation of Freddy the Frog, now permanently preserved with Helo 66 at the USS Midway Museum.

With a foreword by Commander Skip Crane, USN (Ret.), opening reflections by Captain Tom Murphy, USN (Ret.), and written by award-winning ghostwriter and publisher Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, this powerful tribute brings together the voices of Navy SEALs, Frogmen, military leaders, and lifelong friends who knew Pete best.

The book also celebrates the ongoing work of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the legacy of the Navy Frogmen while supporting Navy SEALs, veterans, first responders, and their families through equine and K9-assisted programs for those living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and related conditions. It further honors the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, where Pete Carolan's artwork and the history of Naval Special Warfare continue to inspire future generations.

For readers of military history, leadership, resilience, and the brotherhood of those who serve, The Painted Frog is both a historical record and a lasting tribute to the quiet professionals who changed history from beneath the surface. Contributing legacy voices include: Charles Prouty, Steve Mensinger, Andy McTigue, Peggyann Morley, President of PSHF. The entire board of Directors, Los Caballeros, and leaders in the world of art. Both Al Starr and USN (Ret.) Lieutenant Ernest Jahncke of the Apollo 13 Capsule Recovery Team, 1970. Closing reflection; Hunter Rusack of the Wrigley Family.

Founder of Golden Ray Publishing and a military heritage author dedicated to preserving the stories of America's veterans and military leaders. Through extensive interviews, historical research, and legacy preservation, she documents lives of service that might otherwise be lost to time.*The Painted Frog* is the authorized biography of renowned military artist and U.S. Navy UDT-13/Frogman Pete "The Pirate" Carolan. Commissioned by the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, the book was developed through hundreds of hours of interviews with Pete's BUDS Class 47' teammates, fellow Navy SEALs, friends, and military historians following his passing in 2022. Although she never met Pete personally, Lisa carefully assembled his remarkable story from those who knew him best, preserving his legacy for future generations.Her work focuses on military history, biography, and legacy publishing, ensuring that the sacrifices, accomplishments, and personal journeys of veterans are remembered with authenticity and respect. Through Golden Ray Publishing, she continues to partner with military organizations and families to transform historical records and personal memories into professionally published works that honor those who served.

Peter "the Pirate" Carolan was raised along the shores of Huntington Beach, California, where the rhythm, power, and unpredictability of the Pacific shaped his earliest years. As a dedicated ocean lifeguard, Pete developed a deep respect for the water, along with the instinct, discipline, and courage that would define his life. Scanning the horizon and responding when others were in need, he first discovered the spirit of service that would carry him far beyond the California coast.During the Vietnam era, Pete entered the demanding training of Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs (BUD/S) and began his military career as a U.S. Navy Frogman with Underwater Demolition Team 13 (UDT-13), the elite predecessors to today's Navy SEALs. Serving as a cartographer and conducting beach reconnaissance missions, Pete completed two combat tours in Vietnam. His work required precision, resilience, and the quiet courage demanded of those operating in some of the most dangerous and unrecognized theaters of war.In 1970, Pete "the Pirate" Carolan became part of one of the most remarkable chapters in American space history: the recovery of the Apollo 13 astronauts. As a member of the U.S. Navy recovery operation, he played a role in bringing the astronauts safely home following their historic mission.Pete's story, however, did not end with military service. His experiences as a Frogman, Vietnam veteran, and member of the Apollo 13 recovery operation became the foundation of an extraordinary career as a military artist. His artwork reflects his deep understanding of brotherhood, sacrifice, service, and the generations of Americans who answered the call to defend their country.His work has been displayed in the Pentagon, the White House, military installations, VFW halls, American Legion posts, and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. His combat murals span four generations of military history, from Vietnam through 9/11, preserving stories and experiences that might otherwise be forgotten. His artwork is also held in the permanent collection of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California.Through his art and legacy, Pete Carolan continues to honor the warriors who served before him, beside him, and after him-ensuring that their courage, sacrifice, and stories endure for generations to come.

Tom Murphy is a retired Navy Captain, a combat veteran, an Olmsted Scholar, and a U.S. Navy SEAL for 25 years and the author of "Beyond The Trident" . Tom Murphy rose through the ranks to become the Commanding Officer of two different SEAL commands, including the much-publicized SEAL Team Six. The Navy SEAL Trident. It is one of the proudest military insignia a man can wear. Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of this U.S. Navy SEAL as he transcends the depths of trauma to explore the essence of spirituality in "Beyond the Trident." Follow the captivating narrative of the author's evolution from the rigors of military training and combat operations to the profound realms of the human spirit, where the pursuit of purpose and the quest for spiritual understanding converge in a narrative of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Drawing upon the metaphor of a three-legged stool representing mind, body, and spirit, this autobiographical memoir delves into the enduring impacts of trauma on each facet of our existence. Through the lenses of religion, science, and metaphysics, the author reflects on his odyssey from skepticism to a profound spiritual understanding, enriched by a wealth of reading culminating in a curated list of insightful books. Experience the multifaceted world of a Navy SEAL, from the intensity of SEAL training and operations to the vibrant, life-filled camaraderie of individual SEALs as they transition from young men to being the world's most highly trained commandos. From the adrenaline-fueled world of SEAL operations to the introspective depths of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this book provides a rare glimpse into the dual nature of the military combat experience. Gain insights into the universal quest for meaning, the interplay between spirituality and science, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Tom Murphy gives opening reflections in the military legacy: The Painted Frog