In Memoriam
Honoring the Memory of Captain Norman H. Olson
March 14, 1931 – October 29, 2020
Captain (SEAL) Norman Hugo Olson, USN (Retired)
Norm received a BS Degree and Naval Reserve commission from the Merchant Marine Academy, and before Navy active duty he sailed as a Ships Officer in the Merchant Marine.
During 30 years in the Navy he served as the Engineer Officer on board three amphibious ships and held every key position in Naval Special Warfare.
His operational tours included Executive Officer of Underwater Demolition Team 21, Commanding Officer of UDT 11, Officer in Charge of Naval Operations Support Group Western Pacific, Head of the Maritime Operations Group of Special Operations Group Vietnam, and Commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group Two. read more…
The Museum Mourns the Loss of Commander Robert Ramirez III
Commander Robert “Bobby” Ramirez III was 47. He was married to Anne Ramirez; together they have four children. Ramirez was promoted to the Commander rank and was assigned to oversee SEAL Team ONE of the West Coast Special Warfare Unit in June 2022.
Bobby enlisted in the Navy in 1996 and was commissioned in 2004. During his 27 years of service, Ramirez was awarded three Combat Action Ribbons, having been in combat situations in three different theaters of war and five Bronze Star medals — two with “V” devices, signifying valor and acts of heroism while in combat.read more…
Honoring the Memory of Howard Wasdin
November 8, 1961 – April 6, 2023
Dr. Howard E. Wasdin served as a member of SEAL Team SIX. After graduating with BUD/S Class 143, he later became a top sniper with SEAL Team SIX. For his actions in “Operation Gothic Serpent” in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1993, he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in action. In that conflict, he was wounded three times and nearly lost his right leg.
Howard served in the US Navy for twelve years, nine of which were as part of the SEAL Teams. After twelve years, he was medically discharged due to the injuries he sustained in Mogadishu. The Somalia conflict would later become more commonly known as “Black Hawk Down”, nick-named after the story depicted by Mark Bowden in his book and movie of the same name. read more…
The Museum Mourns the Loss of Captain Ron Yeaw
The Museum mourns the passing of Captain Ron Yeaw on June 21, 2021.
A native of Media, Pennsylvania, Captain Yeaw graduated from Penncrest High School in 1961. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Economics from Grove City College in northwest Pennsylvania in1965. His 50-year professional career is highlighted by his 30 years of service in the Navy where he completed three operational platoon combat tours to the Republic of Vietnam with SEAL Team TWO.
He subsequently filled such positions as Chief of Staff of the Joint Special Operations Command in Fort Bragg, NC and Commanding Officer of both Underwater Demolition Team TWENTY ONE and SEAL Team SIX, the world’s premier commando force. He served two tours in the Pentagon on the Special Operations staffs of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. read more…
Honoring the Memory of Douglas Michael Day
May 14, 1971 – March 27, 2023
Douglas Michael Day
Mike’s life was marked by his selfless dedication to helping and serving others. He spent 21 years in the military as a Navy SEAL, where he learned the values of discipline, hard work, and courage.
Even after his retirement, Mike continued to serve his country and his fellow veterans as an advocate for wounded warriors, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.
Mike was an amazing man, and the world has truly lost a hero. He was loved by many and will be missed deeply. read more…
The Museum Mourns Bob Gallagher
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Navy SEAL and hero of the Vietnam War, Robert T. Gallagher, famously known as “The Eagle”, passed away at the age of 83 in Vero Beach, Florida. Bob was a legendary member of SEAL Team TWO making five combat tours to Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Cross, The Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and five Purple Hearts. His legacy of valor, determination, and dedication to his Teammates exemplifies the SEAL warrior ethos.
Bob was born in Naugatuck, Connecticut in 1938 into a solidly middle-class, Catholic family. He had two sisters and a brother. His mother died when he was young, and he was raised by a kindly aunt.
He was a national-level, competitive swimmer in high school. Intelligent and an excellent student, he was a candidate for a good New England University. read more…
The Museum Mourns the Loss of Vice Admiral (VADM, Retired) Albert Melrose Calland III
July 30, 1952- March 31, 2023
Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, VADM Calland was a natural athlete whose prowess, competitive spirit and drive enabled him to master any athletic endeavor. His first foray into swimming at a young age resulted in five medals in the Junior Olympics. In high school he played every sport available and was a three-sport letter winner. He continued his success at United States Naval Academy (USNA) and was a three-year starter on the Navy football team. He holds the USNA record for most receptions in a season and was the team MVP his senior year.
During his 33 years of active duty, VADM Calland served in numerous unique positions of national significance and impact and was a warfighting and leadership titan in the Naval Special Warfare community. read more…