Marcus Luttrell Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Marcus Luttrell
Luttrell in 2007
Nickname(s)	"Southern Boy" "The One" "The Lone Survivor"
Born	(1975-11-07) November 7, 1975 (age 49) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1999–2007
Rank	Petty Officer First Class
Unit	United States Navy SEALs SEAL Team 5 SEAL Team 10 SDV Team 1
Battles/wars	Iraq War Invasion of Iraq Battle of Ramadi War in Afghanistan Operation Red Wings (WIA)
Awards	Navy Cross Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart
Spouse(s)	Melanie Juneau (m. 2010)
Children	2
Relations	Morgan (twin brother)
Other work	Lone Survivor (2007)
Website	https://marcusluttrell.com

Marcus Luttrell (born November 7, 1975) is a former United States Navy SEAL. He is known for his bravery during Operation Red Wings in June 2005, where he was the only survivor of his team. For his actions, he received the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. Luttrell served in the United States Navy for eight years.

After leaving the Navy, Luttrell co-hosted After Action, a TV show where former special operations veterans discuss important topics.

Early Life and Training
Navy Career and Missions
Life After the Navy
- Lone Survivor Foundation
Personal Life
DASY, a Special Companion
Awards and Honors
Images for kids
See also

Early Life and Training

Marcus Luttrell was born in Houston, Texas, on November 7, 1975. He started training to become a U.S. Navy SEAL when he was just 14 years old. His trainer was Billy Shelton, a veteran from the U.S. Army who lived nearby.

Marcus trained every day with his twin brother, Morgan. They did many exercises to build strength and endurance. After high school, Marcus went to Sam Houston State University. He left college in 1998 to join the Navy.

Navy Career and Missions

Navy SEALs of Operation Red Wings, with Luttrell being the third from the right.

Marcus Luttrell joined the U.S. Navy in March 1999. He went through tough training to become a Navy SEAL, including Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. He earned his special Navy SEAL badge in February 2001. After that, he received advanced medical training to help his team in combat.

Deployments and Operation Red Wings

In April 2003, Luttrell was sent to Iraq with SEAL Team 5. His team's job was to find and stop enemy fighters.

In 2005, he went to Afghanistan with SEAL Team Ten. There, he was part of a mission called Operation Red Wings. His four-man team was on a special scouting mission when they were seen by local herdsmen. The team had to decide whether to let the unarmed herdsmen go, even though they might tell enemy fighters where the SEALs were. The team decided to let them leave.

Soon after, the SEAL team was attacked by many enemy fighters. Three of the four team members were killed. Luttrell was the only survivor, but he was badly hurt with many broken bones and other injuries.

Rescue and Recovery

During the intense battle, the SEALs tried to call for help, but their radios didn't work well. Another rescue helicopter with SEALs on board was shot down, and everyone on it died.

Luttrell managed to escape the enemy, even with his injuries. He was helped by local Pashtun villagers, especially a man named Mohammad Gulab. Gulab and other villagers risked their lives to protect Luttrell. They eventually sent someone to the nearest U.S. base to arrange his rescue.

On July 2, Luttrell was finally rescued by Army Rangers and Afghan National Army soldiers. Two Pararescuemen helped find him and later returned to the battle site to recover the bodies of his fallen teammates.

After recovering from his injuries, Luttrell returned to duty in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. However, he suffered more serious injuries to his knees and spine, which eventually led to him leaving the Navy.

Navy Cross Award

In 2007, President Bush gave Marcus Luttrell the Navy Cross. This is a very high award given for extreme bravery in battle. The award recognized his amazing courage and dedication to his team during the fight in Afghanistan. He fought bravely against a much larger enemy force, showing incredible resolve and loyalty to his fellow SEALs.

Life After the Navy

After returning to the U.S. in 2007, Marcus Luttrell wrote a bestselling book called Lone Survivor. This book tells the story of Operation Red Wings. A movie based on the book, starring Mark Wahlberg, was released in 2013.

Luttrell was medically discharged from the Navy in 2007. In 2012, he released another book, Service: A Navy SEAL at War.

Lone Survivor Foundation

In 2010, Marcus Luttrell started the Lone Survivor Foundation. This organization helps wounded service members and their families. Its goal is to help them heal, feel strong again, and find hope through health and therapy. The foundation also works with The Boot Campaign to show support for active-duty military members and help them adjust to life back home.

Personal Life

Marcus (left) and twin brother Morgan Luttrell, with former Vice President Mike Pence

Marcus Luttrell married Melanie Juneau on November 27, 2010. They have a son named Axe, who was born in 2011 and named after Marcus's fallen teammate, Matthew Axelson. Their daughter, Addie, was born in 2012.

Marcus's twin brother, Morgan Luttrell, is also a former Navy SEAL. Morgan has worked as an advisor to government officials and was elected to represent Texas's 8th congressional district in November 2022. Marcus Luttrell has also spoken at political events, including the 2016 Republican National Convention.

DASY, a Special Companion

After his injuries, Marcus Luttrell received a yellow Labrador puppy named DASY. The name DASY stood for his fallen teammates: Danny Dietz, Matthew "Axe" Axelson, Southern boy (Marcus), and Michael "Yankee" Murphy. DASY helped Marcus during his recovery.

Sadly, on April 1, 2009, four men came onto Luttrell's property and killed DASY. Marcus chased the individuals in his truck until police caught them. Two of the men were charged with animal cruelty. In March 2012, one man received a two-year sentence in state jail, and the other received five years of probation. Marcus testified in court, saying he was still very upset about DASY's death.