History of Richard Marcinko in Timeline

Richard Marcinko was a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL commander and Vietnam War veteran. He played a pivotal role in establishing and leading SEAL Team Six, one of the most elite special operations units in the world. Marcinko's distinguished military career included two tours in Vietnam, where he earned numerous awards for valor, including the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars with Combat "V", two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat "V", and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. Following his retirement from the Navy, he transitioned into a successful career as an author, radio talk show host, military consultant, and motivational speaker, sharing his expertise and experiences with a wider audience. His book, "Rogue Warrior", chronicled his time in the SEALs and became a bestseller. Marcinko's life and career exemplify dedication, leadership, and resilience within the demanding world of special operations and beyond.

November 21, 1940: Birth of Richard Marcinko

Richard Marcinko was born on November 21, 1940.

September 1958: Enlistment in the US Navy

In September 1958, after being rejected by the Marines, Marcinko enlisted in the US Navy as a radioman.

June 1961: UDTR Training Begins

Marcinko began his Underwater Demolition Team/Replacement training in June 1961.

October 1961: Graduation from UDTR

Marcinko graduated from the Underwater Demolition Team/Replacement training in October 1961 as part of Class 26.

December 1965: Commissioned as Ensign

Marcinko graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an ensign in December 1965.

June 1966: Assigned to SEAL Team Two

Marcinko was assigned to SEAL Team Two in June 1966.

January 1967: First Deployment to Vietnam

In January 1967, Marcinko deployed to Vietnam with SEAL Team Two's 2nd Platoon.

May 18, 1967: Successful SEAL Operation in Mekong Delta

On May 18, 1967, Marcinko led a successful assault on Ilo Ilo Hon, which was later recognized as a highly successful SEAL operation in the Mekong Delta.

December 1967: Second Deployment to Vietnam

Marcinko returned to Vietnam for his second tour of duty in December 1967, leading the 8th Platoon of SEAL Team Two.

May 1968: Silver Star Award

In May 1968, Marcinko led a squad-sized patrol through enemy territory, successfully managing an ambush and directing air strikes, resulting in significant enemy casualties. For his courage and leadership, he was awarded the Silver Star.

June 1968: End of Second Vietnam Tour

Marcinko concluded his second tour in Vietnam in June 1968.

1973: Naval Attaché to Cambodia

Marcinko was promoted to lieutenant commander and appointed as the naval attaché to Cambodia in 1973.

1974: Command of SEAL Team Two

Marcinko assumed command of SEAL Team Two in 1974.

1976: End of SEAL Team Two Command

Marcinko concluded his command of SEAL Team Two in 1976.

1979: Involvement in Iran Hostage Crisis

During the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, Marcinko was a Navy representative for the Joint Chiefs of Staff task force (TAT) responsible for developing a plan to free the hostages.

August 1980: Command of SEAL Team Six

Marcinko became the first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six in August 1980.

July 1983: End of SEAL Team Six Command

Marcinko's command of SEAL Team Six ended in July 1983.

July 13, 1989: Indictment

Marcinko was indicted on several charges, including conspiracy, conflict of interest, and lying to the government, on July 13, 1989.

October 20, 1989: Acquittal of Conflict of Interest

On October 20, 1989, Marcinko was acquitted of conflict of interest.

January 24, 1990: Conviction of Conspiracy

Marcinko was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the government on January 24, 1990.

March 9, 1990: Sentencing and Imprisonment

On March 9, 1990, Marcinko was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined for defrauding the government.

2001: Collaboration with John Weisman

Marcinko co-wrote several books with John Weisman up to 2001.

2005: Criticism of GITMO Prison Practices

In 2005, Marcinko wrote an op-ed piece criticizing what he viewed as attacks on the activities at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib detention centers.

December 2009: "Rogue Warrior" Video Game Release

In December 2009, Richard Marcinko's video game "Rogue Warrior," where he is the protagonist voiced by Mickey Rourke, was released for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The game follows Marcinko on a mission in North Korea. It was met with highly negative reviews due to various issues like poor AI, excessive profanity, bugs, and limited gameplay modes, leading to its reputation as one of the worst video games ever made.