Howard E. Wasdin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. Howard Eugene Wasdin, D.C.
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| Birth name | Howard E. Wilbanks |
| Born | November 8, 1961 Boynton Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | April 6, 2023 (aged 61) Jesup-Wayne County Airport, Wayne County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
.svg){kind=small} United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1983–1995 |
| Rank |  Hull technician First class |
| Unit | United States Navy SEALs |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Operation Gothic Serpent |
Howard Eugene Wasdin was a brave American Navy SEAL. He was born on November 8, 1961, and passed away on April 6, 2023. He was known for his service in the Navy and for writing books about his experiences.
After leaving the Navy, he wrote two books about his time as a SEAL. One was for adults, and the other, called I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior, was written for young people. Howard Wasdin served in the Gulf War and was part of a mission to capture a warlord in Somalia. During this mission, he was shot three times and seriously injured his leg. After 12 years of service, he became a chiropractor and opened a clinic in Georgia.
Contents
Howard Wasdin grew up in Screven, Georgia. He joined the United States Navy in 1983. He first worked with helicopters, helping to find submarines and rescue people.
In 1986, while on a ship called the USS John F. Kennedy, his helicopter crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily, Howard and his crew were rescued safely. He was known for being confident and capable. After this, he decided to become a Navy SEAL.
Intense Training for SEALs
Howard went through very tough training called Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S). He finished this training in 1987. He also learned to parachute at Fort Benning, Georgia.
After more special training, he officially became a Navy SEAL. He served with SEAL Team TWO and went on missions in Europe and the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War. In 1991, he joined an even more elite group called the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He also completed a special sniper course.
Heroic Actions in Somalia
In 1993, Howard Wasdin was sent to Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of Task Force Ranger. This was during an operation called GOTHIC SERPENT. He was wounded during a famous event known as the Battle of Mogadishu (1993).
For his brave actions on October 3 and 4, 1993, he received two important awards: the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He finished his active duty service in the Navy in 1995.
Awards and Honors
Howard Wasdin earned many awards for his service and bravery. These include:
- Silver Star Medal
- Purple Heart
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- Navy Good Conduct Medal
- Joint Meritorious Unit Award
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
- Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
- Navy Rifle Marksmanship Badge
- Navy Pistol Marksmanship Badge
He also earned special badges that show his skills:
Author and Storyteller
Howard Wasdin became an author after his military career. He wrote SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper with Stephen Templin. This book shares details about the intense training Navy SEALs go through. It also tells about his experiences in the Navy and some parts of his personal life.
A version of the book for young adults, I Am a SEAL Team Six Warrior, was released in April 2012. It helps younger readers understand what it's like to be a Navy SEAL.
His Passing
Howard Wasdin passed away on April 6, 2023. He was involved in a plane crash at the Jesup-Wayne County Airport in Wayne County, Georgia. He was trying to land his plane after a trip. Sadly, his pet dog, who was with him, also did not survive. The National Transportation Board is investigating the accident.
See also
- Chris Kyle, another former Navy SEAL and author of American Sniper
