The Oldest "Frogman"......
 

Don Lumsden of Englewood, Fla. oldest living “Frogman” in U.S.A.

www.donmooreswartales.com

For Zonie,Richard and the rest of you guys who love to play underwater.......;) :D

Big Teddy :munchin

Amazing. He and his "swim buddies" were true trailblazers.

Thanks for posting this Big Teddy.

That's an awesome read. Thanks for the link.

A great read Big Teddy. Can you imagine what he saw when he was standing on the beach @ Nagasaki? Probably makes Don the first American to set foot in Japan.

Thanks for the post !

RF 1

Awesome bit of history. Nice picture of the LT with the fins, mask and ka bar...ka bar in his hand.

Great Teddy. Thanks

The true History of the UDT program by one who was actually in it and interesting reading of their heroic tasks - and a far cry from the tales of those who would seek to steal their valorous exploits like Gene DeFord did.

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/...ad.php?t=21771

I used to sit and talk with Red King about the Parachute Test Platoon and the early development of Airborne training of what was then called The Parachute School; I would definitely enjoy talking with Mr Lumsden about the early UDT training program, too.

Thanks, Teddy, for a great read.

Richard :munchin

When I was 10 or so, before I even knew what Special Forces was, I wanted to be a "Frogman"! A guy two years older in my high school went UDT and gave me his green, numbered, helmet liner from there. I prized it. I was among the "stuff" my mom gave away while I was in the Army. Drat!

WOW !!!!!!! :eek:

She REALLY didn't want you to come visit, did she??? :( :eek:

:D

My uncle, William Gadd, was a Naval Scout/Raider in the Pacific during WW2.
His name is listed in the UDT/Seal Museum.

He had some interesting stories, the best being his enebriated re-enlistment into the Army, believing it to be the Navy, after returning from the war. He fought in Korea with the 187th Airborne and received a battlefield commission. Sadly he passed some years ago.

I keep thinking of the 10" pilings that these frogmen had to belly crawl alongside. Sticking up more than 10" would have meant detection and/or death.

They probably sucked it in, and went with nine, giving a 1" safety margin.

Also no mention of any sidearms, just the ka bars, mask, fins, explosives and wires.

The Oldest Frogman
 

Mr. Lumsden has cancer and his days are numbered. Failing fast. www.411.com his name and town, if you wish to send a card while he's still with us.

His story on War Tales had the most "hits" ever, and is still garnering attention.