Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS

by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of  Unbroken ; the derring-do and bravado of  The Right Stuff ; and the battle-forged camaraderie of  Band of Brothers , this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater. Into Enemy Waters details the origins and heroic missions of World War II’s most elite and daring unit of warriors, told through the eyes of one of its last living members, 95-year-old George Morgan.
Morgan was just a wiry, 17-year-old lifeguard from New Jersey when he joined the Navy's new combat demolition unit, tasked to blow up enemy coastal defenses ahead of landings by Allied forces. His first Omaha Beach on D-Day.
When he returned stateside, Morgan learned that his service was only beginning. Outfitted with swim trunks, a dive mask, and fins, he was sent to Hawaii and then on to deployments in the Pacific as a member of the elite and pioneering Underwater Demolition Teams. GIs called them "half fish, half nuts." Today, we call them frogmen—and Navy SEALS.

Led by maverick Naval Reserve Officer Draper Kauffman, Morgan would spend the fierce final year of the war swimming up to enemy controlled beaches to gather intel and detonate underwater barriers. He'd have to master the sea, muster superhuman grit, and overcome the demons of Omaha Beach. Moving closer to Japan, the enemy's island defenses were growing more elaborate and its soldiers more fanatical. From the black sand beaches of Iwo Jima to the shark infested reefs of Okinawa, to the cold seas of Tokyo Bay, teenaged George Morgan was there before most, fighting for his life. And for all of us.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Biography, War, Adult

351 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2022

About the author

Andrew Dubbins is an award winning journalist and author whose work has appeared in The Daily Beast, Los Angeles Magazine, Alta, Slate, and other publications. He is the author of Into Enemy Waters, the story of a WWII frogman and the demolition divers who became the Navy SEALs. He was awarded “Journalist of the Year” in 2021 by the Los Angeles Press Club and has been featured among Longform.org’s “Best Articles” and The Daily Beast’s “Best Reads.” Several of his narrative non-fiction articles have been optioned for film and TV. He studied English and Government at Georgetown University and lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re a history buff or not, award-winning journalist and author Andrew Dubbins presents a book you definitely won’t want to miss.

The interesting chapters are woven around an interview with George Morgan, one of the last surviving veterans of the Underwater Demolition Teams. This elite group of swimmers at the time was led by the school commander Draper Kauffman. Today we would call this group the Navy SEALs.

This book goes from visiting with the then 93-year-old Morgan for a very short time and then telling the past that he experienced as though it were present. The present conversations with Morgan will occasionally jump back into the various stories.

The book is fast-paced and broken into manageable chapters. As I read I couldn’t help but consider what Morgan, a 17-year-old lifeguard from New Jersey emotionally experienced during the war. Then I compared him to my grandsons who are just a few years older. These young, and I mean 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 men, willingly sacrificed so much for our country. And I refer to all wars.

While some non-fiction can be a little too deep and dry for me, this book is anything but those things. The unique writing and stories will quickly reel you in and win you over.

I didn’t have to think twice to rate this 5 Stars. The writing is good and the presentation interesting. As for the content, the more we learn about war and sacrifices, the more we appreciate others and the freedom they helped fight for.

QOTD: What part of 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢 means the most to you?

My thanks to @bookforwardpr and @diversionbooks for an ARC copy of this book and the ability to freely post my opinion.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. While I liked the basic content of this book and appreciate the main characters stories, I think reading a new book written about history, specifically Ww2, is an iffy prospect now at this particular juncture in time. What you take the chance of encountering are exactly what I encountered in this book; woke language and authors attempt to apologize for the time they are writing about. Fuck that. I want TRUE history and the facts only.

This author starts out by saying he interviews George, the main character, in person and actually goes to the trouble of writing that both he and George are fully vaccinated. STFU with that bull shit. I don’t give one solid shit about that. I never want to hear the word COVID again in my life and books mentioning it will get stars off from me for that mere fact.

But I was interested in the back story of the first navy seals and that was sort of well covered, but it did feel lacking to me. The author obviously used previously published works to establish the timeframe of the events of George’s service and It was pretty dull. But like I said, I appreciate George and his experience that is why this book is not getting two stars from me, which is frankly what the writer deserves.

Note to writers, leave your woke wording and opinions to yourself. I guarantee no liberal is reading history right now. They hate America and don’t give one shit about history. It’s those of us who don’t want to repeat it that are reading your books.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading about this period in history, whether Fiction or Non-Fiction. I get leery with Non-Fiction at times because I don't want to be bored while reading. Whelp Into Enemy Waters definitely won't have you bored.

The writing with this one is captivating and this was honestly hard to put down! I know, I know...it's military history so how could it be unputdownable. 😂 You'll have to read it to see what I mean.

I think the best part of this is where the inspiration for the Navy Seals came from. I can't even begin to imagine the harrowing exploits they had to go through back then, and now. I had mild anxiety just imagining being surrounded by all that water.

I also loved that not only do you read about the war, you get to meet George Morgan as he shares his journey in the UDT. He was 17 when he joined the Navy. 17!! I am astounded and in awe.

I can't put into enough words how amazing this one is. I highly recommend for any fan of military history or just history in general. Even historical fiction fans. The writing is so good you will forget you are reading Non-Fiction.

I am so thankful to Diversion Books and Books Forward for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

[Michael Burnam-Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dubbins presents a charming history of the WW2 Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), framed around 95 year-old veteran diver George Mason. Mason was basically an average Depression era kid, but one of his high school jobs was as a lifeguard, which plucked him out of the standard Navy recruitment track and into the hazardous world of combat divers.

The job of the UDTs was to scout and clear beaches before amphibious invasions. Their equipment was primitive: a glass mask, rubber flippers, a knife, weighted lines for mapping, and explosive charges. Wetsuits were in the future, and scuba gear was novel technology abandoned after an early rig killed a diver.

Mason fought at Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. He never told anyone about what he experienced, and Dubbins was unwilling to badger details out of him, but the outlines are rough enough. Omaha Beach was a killing ground with thousands of casualties. At Iwo Jima, the divers went in first and drew a hail of heavy gunfire which disabled many of their support gunboats. The Japanese held their defensive fire at Okinawa, but months on the perimeter fending off kamikaze strikes was its own hell. UDTs were partnered, and Mason's partner David was killed in one of the final missions, leaving behind an infant daughter he never met.

Fortunately for this book, where Mason's individual memories fail, Dubbins can draw upon the broader UDT story and their renegade commander Draper Kauffman. Kauffman wanted nothing more than to follow his father as a destroyer captain, but was blocked from Annapolis by weak eyes. He joined the Navy Reserves, and then volunteered to serve as an ambulance driver in France in 1940, was captured and released, volunteered again as a bomb defusal technician for the British Navy, and spun up the UDT in the wake of fiasco at Tarawa, where the Marines were landed 500 yards offshore on a coral reef. Kauffman lead from the front, came up with the first "hell week" to separate out his recruits, and basically invented UDT doctrine on the fly.

I don't think this book treads a lot of new ground, but it explores a fascinating chapter in military history.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into my reporting with a romanticized vision of the World War II frogmen, picturing their derring-do and underwater heroics akin to a John Wayne adventure movie. The reality of war, as I would come to learn from George through our many conversations, just as he had learned as a teenager, was something much different, much darker.

Into Enemy Waters tells the story of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), which formed during the second World War and were the precursor for the well-respected modern-day Navy SEALS. The book feels part straight history, part biography; it discusses the formation of the UDT and its early years under Lieutenant Commander Draper Kauffman, but most of the book is based on the personal experiences of one UDT man, George Morgan, who joined the Navy at the tender age of 17 in 1943.

I like to consider myself a history buff-in-training. I've always enjoyed history, but in the past few years I have found myself ingesting more and more WWII/modern war histories than I did even when in school. My comfort show is "WWII in Color" and I've been devouring any information I can find on the subject. Which is why it was unbelievable to me that I'd never heard of the UDT before picking up this book.

The UDT was highly secretive during the war, for good reason. But even after fighting ended, the UDT never really claimed a slice of the spotlight. I've heard dozens, hundreds, of stories about army infantry and marines, but frogmen? It turns out that the UDT were responsible for reconnaissance of potential amphibious landing sites and were often instructed to destroy any obstacles. Wearing swim trunks and carrying only a knife and a grease pen, they swam in enemy waters while, at times, being shot at by the enemy themselves. I was intrigued with what the book offered, and was pleased to see the very personal narrative taken with the book. Author Andrew Dubbins tells the story of George Morgan with heart and care, inserting snippets of their conversations, both in person and via telephone, in the last few years.

After joining the Navy in 1943, George's first experience of actual war was the amphibious landings at Omaha Beach at Normandy on June 6, 1944. From there, George's unit would be deployed to both Iwo Jima and Okinawa in the Pacific Theater. This is a man who has seen some of the most talked about battles towards the tail end of the war, whose teammates are arguably the first servicemen to set foot on some of these landing beaches. This is a man who suffered from PTSD, though no one knew what it was called back then. This is a man who desperately wants to forget the horrors of war and the things he's witnessed, but feels obligated as one of the remaining few to share his story so it's not forgotten.

Still, to George and many fellow UDT men, the ocean felt safer than the boats. By avoiding splashing, they could remain unseen. By holding their breath, they could dive under Japanese bullets. Above the surface was a hellscape. Below meant safety. Below was their domain.

Personally, I tend to get emotional when I watch/read personal narratives of war. I don't tend to be a very emotional, or overly empathic person in my everyday life. But something about these stories strikes a nerve. I loathe the idea of these stories being lost to time, but it's also unfair to expect these men who have seen some of the worst of humanity to share these experiences. In my opinion, it's exceptionally brave to reveal these stories, even more so when they affect the person in such a form or fashion. I don't suppose Mr. George Morgan will ever see this review, but I feel like it's important that we thank him for telling his story even though it caused him pain, and to thank the author for attempting to stay as honest to George's memory as he could. This was thoroughly a 5-star read.

[Tanya Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the era of WWII history and I have never run across the detail about the demolition divers that worked so hard during WWII. This is an amazing view of how their work really went, the perils they faced, how they were on the front lines and how no one really knew what they did or went through because of the media blackout around their work.

Not only did this story tell I story that I didn't know, but it also told it in a way about someone who lived this and in a way such a way that I felt like I was going through everything with him. The author was able to take a personal story, a less known area of WWII history and make it flow in a way that takes the reader along with on every journey, every loss, every triumph, through every fear, anxiety and elation.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

It I could give it a 10 , I’d give it a ……..11!!!

These frogmen were beyond brave! Absolutely Nothing against those who successfully bet through BUDS today and become SEALS. I wonder how many would have been able to do what those WWII demolitioniers did under those circumstances with the limited equipment they had under those horrendous conditions.
I personally know a WWII Frogman (UDT-13) IWO JIMA, Okinawa who didn’t talk much about what he saw and did, until I read this book and discussed it with him. He opened up, tears flowing, and let his Demons out.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about how the demolition divers came into existence. During the rush of WWII, everyone was training at record paces and had to experiment to find the best way of doing things. I liked that the author was able to interview George Morgan, who was part of this program, which really added a personal touch. He also added in information about the other important people in this program. This book is great for any history lover.

I received this book from Books Forward.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old advanced reader son LOVED this book. He is very interested in military history and could not put this book down. Getting his attention while he was reading it was quite difficult LOL. He had so much info to share with us after he read it. He has since asked me to get him more "grown up" books about the military since reading this. Highly recommend for history buffs and military buffs.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little nervous recommending this to my book club. This was the author's first book and had the potential to be a dry subject. Not so! I was engrossed from the first chapter. It read like an suspense novel. The character development was outstanding. To a person, my book club loved it. I learned so much about not only the "frogmen" but also the individual battles highlighted in the story. It would make a great film. Looking forward to Andrew's next book. I'm sorry more people haven't enjoyed this book.

[Theresa Suplee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an education I received while thoroughly enjoying this book! The author did such a phenomenal job of weaving together a 93-year-old’s firsthand account with his own detailed research of the tasks of the UDTs. What was asked of these inexperienced teenagers during WWII is literally Unfathomable. This book made me appreciate those that fought to protect this country before I was even born. Their bravery and commitment is hard to imagine until you read about it for yourself.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Frogman, The Original Navy Seal…

This is their story encapsulated in the bio’s of two men. One, who created the concept and experimentally led all the WW2 operations. The other, who enlisted and served as one of the original guinea pig, Navy Frogmen.
He served throughout WW2, starting on D Day at Omaha Beach and then unbelievably through almost every island landing in the Pacific! It’s a tale of courage, honor, dedication and horror. A great read…

[Randall Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, the author does a great job in making us feel a part of what George saw. One minor point, the author continuously refers to RADM Kauffman receiving a "Gold medal," while there is no such thing in the military. What the Author is referring to is a gold star representing the second award of the Navy Cross, the Navy's second highest award for valor .

[Elmwoodblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could have been a dry historical narrative covering the genesis of the SEALs becomes a riveting, horrifying, complete story as handled by Andrew Dubbins. Wisely focusing on people, letting us get to know them, was an excellent move. The war, the battles, the savagery and the courage, all serve to move the characters, and the reader, along at a brisk page-turning pace.

[Breanne Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Dubbins follows the story of US Frogman, George Morgan, during WWII. I am not usually into non-fiction books, but this one is written beautifully and is packed full of interesting information. I did not want to put it down. Follow George from before WWII until the end of it and see what it was like to be a Frogman.

[Scott Godin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsung heroes

Excellent book. This was a great read . The pioneering of frog men. A story of young men that became UDT, swimmers with only flippers a mask and a knife . underwater demolition team.

[Nerissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravery

Without the bravery of these young men, our lives would be completely different. I cannot fathom the sacrifices they made not having done so myself. Thank you is not enough. Remembering their bravery and teaching it to the next generation is how we honor them

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a WWII veteran who entered the Navy after Pearl Harbor and ended up with the Navy UDT (Underwater Demolition Teams). Starting with the Normandy Invasion and ending up in Japan at the end ot the war.

[Christy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging read, a real-life story that makes you think what it must have felt like for the men who lived it! The writing is spectacular, I loved learning about the demolition teams and how important they were in WWII.

[Cheri Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I want to thank all the UDT men living and passed for the sacrifice they made for all of us. The author did a great of putting this story together with Mr Draper heroic adventures.

[Mark Ortloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

amazing group of individuals

Wonderfully detailed book about a relatively unknown service during world war 2. From training to Europe to the Pacific. I learned a lot about pre invasion plans and heroic deeds.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant,but emotionally charged.

Recommend for readers who want to learn about a little know but significant part of WWII history. Emotionally charged and tells the story of the frogmen. And why their story became the inspiration for today's SEALS.

[Eric Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into Enemy Waters

This is a great book, a great read. The history, detail, and mission descriptions are outstanding. As one captivated by WW I I history this book fills gaps about D Day and the Pacific island hopping campaign. Do not miss reading this book.

[Loren Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of the “frogmen”.

An excellent account of the UDT’s from merely a concept to all through the WWII as told through the eyes and memories of George Morgan, an original frogman. If you are interested in the “original” Navy Seals, this a must read.

[Laura D Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsung Valor

Amazing story of unsung heroes! I couldn’t put it down! What these men accomplished remains one of the most remarkable achievements in preparing the way for so many Allied landings.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely great read on the lesser known UDT missions of WWII. Andrew Dubbins does a fantastic job honoring the service and sacrifices of George Morgan, along with presenting well researched insights into Draper Kauffman's service as well. Definitely a must read.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read to learn from but emotionally it is heavy. I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like to live it. If you love history, war stories, this is for you.

[Andrew Gilligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not recommend more! Super well written and really interesting

[Test Customer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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