Splashdown: The Rescue of a Navy Frogman

by John Wolfram

On July 20, 1969 America did the impossible. Astronaut Armstrong's left boot sank into the charcoal-like lunar powder as the citizens of Earth held their breath in wonder. They listened in awe as his words resounded through space and time. "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind." Four days later, in the midst of the media's frenzied activity aboard the USS Hornet, the space capsule Columbia burned through the earth's atmosphere and SPLASHED DOWN into the Pacific Ocean. UDT/SEAL John Wolfram, a member of the Navy's elite Special Forces and trained in spacecraft recovery, leaped from a Sea King Helicopter into the waves of the Pacific Ocean to become the first person on Earth to greet the astronauts. Despite a difficult childhood, plagued with crushing disappointments and multiple brushes with death, Wolfram dared to reach past his limit. His firsthand experiences are intricately woven into a fascinating period of America's history. Journey with him as he recounts Basic Underwater Demolition Training, the living hell known as the Vietnam War, and the rescue of the Apollo 11 astronauts from the sea. " The Rescue of a Navy Frogman" is an inspiration to all who strive to achieve the impossible and is a remarkable challenge to those who seek inner strength.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2012

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of buying this book at the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio right after listening to a presentation by the other Navy frogmen who participated in the Apollo 11 spacecraft recovery. John Wolfram details his life story here in an unflinchingly honest way. One can see that honesty on display in the way he describes his upbringing in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, as he dealt with a distant father. One can see this again in the way he describes the incredible physical and mental stamina required to become an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) member in the U.S. Navy. I was fascinated by the way he had to block out his inner voice constantly telling him to quit while he stood submerged in cold water, with precious little sleep, or while he carried a heavy Inflatable Boat Small (IBS) over his head. The book demonstrates that the human body can go further than anticipated if one suppresses the portion of the mind telling one to stop. The book goes on to describe Wolfram's participation in the Apollo 11 spacecraft recovery, as he was the first person who departed a helicopter and descended to the ocean after the splashdown of the Command Module Columbia on July 24, 1969. He was tasked with attaching an anchor and a raft to the vehicle so that Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin could depart safely. Finally, the reader sees the author's passion and honesty on display again as he describes his experience in the Vietnam War, his problems with drug use, and the way that he drew upon his faith to overcome his problems. Although the most famous task Wolfram took part in was the last day of the Apollo 11 mission, the heart of the book is what he learned across the course of his whole life. His physical and spiritual endurance will inspire readers.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Wolfram’s Splashdown is an autobiography about his life journey. Wolfram talks about his childhood in a broken home, and his early school years. After that he would go on to join the navy and attempt to join the elite Underwater Demolition Teams. He writes thoroughly of the hardships of BUD/S training, and how he made it through the rigorous phases. He also talks on his efforts in the Apollo 11 recovery and Vietnam.
I enjoyed this book because of the detail of a firsthand account. Personally I love this sort of history, and always enjoy reading into a single person’s journey, as opposed to a broad overview of a conflict. My favorite part of this book is how perseverant Wolfram was, very inspiring to a teen. Though the down part of this book, detailing Wolfram’s struggle with drugs, was hard to witness. I didn’t like seeing such a magnificent figure so downed, but such is life.
Others should definitely read this story, It’s very inspiring, entertaining, and shocking to read what Wolfram has done in his life. I’d recommend Splashdown to anyone looking for a good story about perseverance through hardship, those who enjoy the history of the late sixties early seventies, and those who enjoy military/war stories.

[Erma Jean Caston-Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything written by Brother Wolfram is full of testimony and life adventures! Do yourself a favor and invest time in his books...