What do you think?
Night Fighter: An Insider's Story of Special Ops from Korea to SEAL Team 6
For the first time, the “father of the US Navy SEALs” tells his story of founding the most effective and feared fighting force ever conceived.
One month after the Bay of Pigs fiasco, when President John F. Kennedy pressed Congress about America’s “urgent national needs,” he named expanding US special operations forces along with putting a man on the moon. Captain William Hamilton was the officer tasked with creating the finest unconventional warriors ever seen. Merging his own experience commanding Navy Underwater Demolition Teams with expertise from Army Special Forces and the CIA, and working with his subordinate, Roy Boehm, he cast the mold for sea-, air-, and land-dispatched night fighters capable of successfully completing any mission anywhere in the world. Initially, they were used as a counter to the potential devastation of nuclear war, and later for counterterrorism and hostage rescue. His vision led to the formation of the celebrated SEAL Team 6. In this stirring, action-filled book, Hamilton tells his story for the first time.
Night Fighter is a trove of true adventure from the history of the late twentieth century, which Hamilton lived, from fighter pilot in the Korean War to operative for the CIA in Vietnam, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, from the Pentagon to Foggy Bottom, and from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Reagan White House’s Star Wars. Like American Sniper, here is the record of a life devoted to patriotic service.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
One month after the Bay of Pigs fiasco, when President John F. Kennedy pressed Congress about America’s “urgent national needs,” he named expanding US special operations forces along with putting a man on the moon. Captain William Hamilton was the officer tasked with creating the finest unconventional warriors ever seen. Merging his own experience commanding Navy Underwater Demolition Teams with expertise from Army Special Forces and the CIA, and working with his subordinate, Roy Boehm, he cast the mold for sea-, air-, and land-dispatched night fighters capable of successfully completing any mission anywhere in the world. Initially, they were used as a counter to the potential devastation of nuclear war, and later for counterterrorism and hostage rescue. His vision led to the formation of the celebrated SEAL Team 6. In this stirring, action-filled book, Hamilton tells his story for the first time.
Night Fighter is a trove of true adventure from the history of the late twentieth century, which Hamilton lived, from fighter pilot in the Korean War to operative for the CIA in Vietnam, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, from the Pentagon to Foggy Bottom, and from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Reagan White House’s Star Wars. Like American Sniper, here is the record of a life devoted to patriotic service.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 7, 2017
This was an absolutely fabulous read! It chronicled the inception of America's special forces as told first hand by the man who had the most influence and input into the process. I was spellbound from page to page; riveted by his descriptions of the first hand action he was involved in, brilliant descriptions of battles fought. I found myself biting my nails from the excitement and suspense of real missions as well as laughing out loud at his descriptions of the early trial and error experiences of casting and retrieving special operators into the oceans from a helicopter travelling at 40 knots. It coupled real history with his experiences and gives new insight into what was really happening behind the scenes. Without a doubt, one of the best reads I could ever ask for and I highly recommend it.
August 27, 2017
To be honest, the typical "blue" language of a sailor is not something I enjoy, and there is a lot of it. However, usually the offending stuff appears in quotes and probably was either actually what was said or close to it, so I chose to tolerate it. Beyond that particular problem there was value. Having lived through many of the events he writes about, and getting his perspective on them and on the leaders in place at the time, was very interesting. In fact, it exposes the roots of many present day global issues.
August 18, 2017
The author convinces you he is a badass. Repeat ad nauseam.
January 7, 2024
This is the reason I never read non-fiction…
I have been a LEO for 21 yrs working local governments, and as a civilian since 1994. I appreciate the author’s service and he as a an (like my father, a Marine), but I got the feeling of “ I did this and I was wherever” too much to believe. Sorry but my opinion. Also, as an avid reader I read almost all of Dick Marcinko’s book and I don’t remember (maybe I misssed it) to “Bone” Hamilton, but that might be me as as was reading “Red Cell” series and this wasn’t part of it. What I can say is I waited for my prescribed timed for this book and I am not impressed. Again, I’m grateful but don’t recall hearing about Mr. Hamilton’s huge footprint….idk
I have been a LEO for 21 yrs working local governments, and as a civilian since 1994. I appreciate the author’s service and he as a an (like my father, a Marine), but I got the feeling of “ I did this and I was wherever” too much to believe. Sorry but my opinion. Also, as an avid reader I read almost all of Dick Marcinko’s book and I don’t remember (maybe I misssed it) to “Bone” Hamilton, but that might be me as as was reading “Red Cell” series and this wasn’t part of it. What I can say is I waited for my prescribed timed for this book and I am not impressed. Again, I’m grateful but don’t recall hearing about Mr. Hamilton’s huge footprint….idk
November 29, 2017
Must read for anyone interested in the birth of unconventional warfare.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a big picture view of the inception and evolution of unconventional warfare as well as US efforts to thwart the global expansion of communism. This is not an high speed action thriller but does a great job of covering the background to a lot of covert operations around the globe. It will not leave you bored or bury you under clinical critiques but is instead an insightful and honest look at the evolution of unconventional warfare and one man's contributions and journey.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a big picture view of the inception and evolution of unconventional warfare as well as US efforts to thwart the global expansion of communism. This is not an high speed action thriller but does a great job of covering the background to a lot of covert operations around the globe. It will not leave you bored or bury you under clinical critiques but is instead an insightful and honest look at the evolution of unconventional warfare and one man's contributions and journey.
November 30, 2017
Outstanding words for a dying nation
Only about ten years younger and basically the same generation, I thought my volunteering for a piddling year in Vietnam was a milestone in my life. Miserably poor milestone to say the least. Youngsters, read this and believe. If we don't do anything about communism at least this book will show future generations how the totalitarian regime came about.
Only about ten years younger and basically the same generation, I thought my volunteering for a piddling year in Vietnam was a milestone in my life. Miserably poor milestone to say the least. Youngsters, read this and believe. If we don't do anything about communism at least this book will show future generations how the totalitarian regime came about.
November 20, 2020
A must read biography
The historical truth by the man who lived it. Excellent learning tool not only about the formation of Seal Team 6, but to educate those who question the need for our country and our allies to continue the fight against communism and the increasing world terrorism. Freedom comes at a cost. We need more men like these and politicians like President Ronald Reagan.
The historical truth by the man who lived it. Excellent learning tool not only about the formation of Seal Team 6, but to educate those who question the need for our country and our allies to continue the fight against communism and the increasing world terrorism. Freedom comes at a cost. We need more men like these and politicians like President Ronald Reagan.
August 28, 2020
Night fighter
Wow such a powerful insight into American Armed Forces and the Pentagon.
A visionary of extraordinary foresight and talent Hamilton was a true hero.
We can only imagine how much safer the world would be if he had been allowed to implement his ideas fully.
A different President Reagan is shown than the one the Press portrayed.
Wow such a powerful insight into American Armed Forces and the Pentagon.
A visionary of extraordinary foresight and talent Hamilton was a true hero.
We can only imagine how much safer the world would be if he had been allowed to implement his ideas fully.
A different President Reagan is shown than the one the Press portrayed.
June 15, 2019
Great read!
One of the best books on the special ops world I have ever read..There are plenty of I was there stories, along with a very clear description of the history of the struggle to defeat communism and terrorism. I highly recommend it!!
One of the best books on the special ops world I have ever read..There are plenty of I was there stories, along with a very clear description of the history of the struggle to defeat communism and terrorism. I highly recommend it!!
September 11, 2020
Best Coherent UW history since WWII
Simplified and combined. Conventional and unconventional warfare history with the history of world since WWII. Updated and confirmed prior books on these important issues
Simplified and combined. Conventional and unconventional warfare history with the history of world since WWII. Updated and confirmed prior books on these important issues
May 27, 2017
Lots of history explained
Good book for history of special forces. Also history of communism. Wake up people. This happening, Islam is a threat
Good book for history of special forces. Also history of communism. Wake up people. This happening, Islam is a threat
October 1, 2017
A very interesting book on how navy seals got their start and other special ops
December 6, 2017
The author is well stocked in covert experience which is a requisite
when writing a book on selecting and training A new elite command
Which uses unconventional tactics to conquer their enemy.
when writing a book on selecting and training A new elite command
Which uses unconventional tactics to conquer their enemy.
January 18, 2018
Great read
This is a great read, I learned more in this book about the development of Specific Forces, than any other single source I have read.
This is a great read, I learned more in this book about the development of Specific Forces, than any other single source I have read.
March 22, 2018
Good stories about development of Navy SEALs. No chest-beating by the author on his exploits.
June 18, 2020
Great book. As an Officer, it helped me through my divorce and my career.
June 1, 2021
Better than a history book. A first person account of his work in the military from the end of WW2 to about 2010 including his interactions with many prominent people in that time.
July 18, 2021
Insights to understanding our fragile world
Very impressed with the beginnings of unconventional warfare from its beginnings before Vietnam to the taking of Osama Bin laden
Very impressed with the beginnings of unconventional warfare from its beginnings before Vietnam to the taking of Osama Bin laden
August 19, 2026
Lots of unnecessarily foul language, unfortunately. Story of early failures: Bay of Pigs and attempted rescue of Americans in the embassy in Iran, etc., interesting to read.
April 29, 2017
Those walking in harms way in support of America's ideals realise, perhaps more than all others, the true cost of our freedom.
Those waking in harm's way in support of America's ideals realise, perhaps more than all others, the true cost of our freedom
Those waking in harm's way in support of America's ideals realise, perhaps more than all others, the true cost of our freedom
December 5, 2025
Excellent book. Could not put it down. You will learn much history of the Navy Seals and counter terrorism and counterinsurgency.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews