John Marcinko

John Marcinko served as commander of SEAL Team 6 during the Vietnam War, leading one of the Navy’s premier counter-terrorism and special missions units. His disregard for rules and maverick attitude eventually led to his conviction for military contract fraud.

After serving as a convicted felon for many years, Marcinko turned to writing, becoming the celebrated author of bestseller SEAL team fiction and Rogue Warrior – his autobiography. Now, Marcinko takes on yet another thrilling adventure in this latest installment of his bestselling series.

Early Life and Education

On November 21, 1940 in Lansford, Pennsylvania, James Marcinko was born to James and Thelma Marcinko.

After serving in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, Marcinko achieved notoriety as an author and motivational speaker. Additionally, he founded Richard Marcinko Inc. – a company providing training and team-building services.

His autobiography states that he began his career as a radioman before being promoted to officer. Afterwards, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Auburn University.

Following the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, Marcinko was charged with creating and training a counterterrorism team. He named it SEAL Team Six and assembled members from existing SEAL teams as well as Underwater Demolition Teams.

Professional Career

Marcinko was a former Navy officer who achieved success as an author. His military thrillers, such as Rogue Warrior (which topped the 1992 bestseller list), earned him widespread popularity among readers.

He led SEAL Team 6 during the 1980s, helping to shape its tough-minded culture. Most notably, his command was responsible for carrying out the raid that killed Osama bin Laden – an event widely remembered within SEAL Team 6.

His brawny personality and reckless nature earned him the admiration of many veterans, but ultimately led to conflict with Adm. William McRaven – the retired admiral who oversaw the raid – which ultimately resulted in his removal from command.

After leaving the Navy, Marcinko began a career as an author and motivational speaker. Drawing on his experiences as a military commander, he wrote books about military action and counterterrorism – titles like Red Cell, Detachment Bravo and Vengeance.

Achievements and Honors

John Marcinko was an elite Navy SEAL who displayed incredible strength. As leader of SEAL Team Six, he undertook classified missions around the globe with unparalleled precision.

Marcinko was also heavily involved in counter-terrorist operations during his military service. He helped form the Navy’s counter-terrorist unit, Red Cell.

He also led a team that tested the security of naval bases, nuclear submarines, ships and civilian airports. Despite seemingly impenetrable barriers during these experiments, their team managed to breach them without incident.

After his service in the Navy, Marcinko founded SOS Temps Inc. He is also an author and motivational speaker, earning numerous awards for his work. Furthermore, he is a proud father and grandfather – his books can be purchased on Amazon.

Personal Life

John Marcinko, the first commanding officer of Navy SEAL Team 6, was a decorated military hero. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned four Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for his bravery in battle.

He co-authored several books, including Rogue Warrior with John Weisman. Additionally, he founded Red Cell International which provides private security services.

He was a loving husband and father who treasured his family. Survived by his wife Nancy; son Ritchie; daughter Brandy Alexander; granddaughter Tiffany Alexander; as well as numerous other relatives, he passed away on January 28, 2023. If you would like to send condolences in his memory, please visit his guestbook on this website. His family will appreciate your kind gesture; please remember him in your prayers as well.

Net Worth

Richard Marcinko was an American US Navy commander who served during the Vietnam war and freed Americans held captive in Iran. As a recipient of various honors and awards, this added to his net worth.

He had a successful career as an actor, host, military consultant and motivational speaker that contributed to his net worth reaching around $1.7 million at the time of his passing.

Marcinko served in Vietnam and beyond, taking on some of the toughest missions imaginable – blowing up supply junks, charging through minefields, jumping at 19,000 feet with a chute that wouldn’t open, and engaging in hand-to-hand combat in an enemy jungle. The former Navy SEAL proved his mettle on numerous occasions.