The Painted Frog

THE PAINTED FROG is the extraordinary true story of Pete "the Pirate" Carolan-Navy UDT/SEAL veteran, two-tour Vietnam veteran, champion athlete, artist, historian, and founder of the Patriot Seal Heritage Foundation.

A member of the generation that helped shape Naval Special Warfare, Carolan served his country during the Vietnam War and later participated in the recovery force associated with the historic Apollo 13 mission. His life, however, would extend far beyond military service, becoming a testament to endurance, creativity, brotherhood, and the preservation of history.

From Junior Olympic swimming competition to victory in the 1978 Molokaʻi-to-Oʻahu World Championship Canoe Race with the legendary Blazing Paddles team, Carolan continually pushed the limits of athletic achievement and teamwork. His journey carried him from the waters of the Pacific to Catalina Island, where he found lasting friendship and purpose among Los Caballeros.

As an artist, Carolan transformed military history into public remembrance. His work honoring America's heroes can be found in prominent locations, including the USS Midway Museum, where visitors encounter the legendary "Freddy the Frog" artwork connected to the Apollo 13 recovery story. His artistic legacy is also preserved through works displayed at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, the birthplace of the Navy Frogman. Pete also created tribute works honoring America's wildland firefighting Hotshot crews and memorial projects dedicated to Medal of Honor recipient Michael A. Monsoor.

At the center of this story stands the painted frog-an enduring emblem of resilience, humor, and brotherhood within the UDT/SEAL community. Through personal stories, rare photographs, military history, artwork, and reflections from family, teammates, and friends, THE PAINTED FROG preserves the life of a man who devoted himself to honoring those who served before him and inspiring those who would follow.

The volume includes contributions, reflections, and remembrances from notable members of the Naval Special Warfare community and those whose lives were touched by Pete's remarkable journey, including Tom Murphy, Hunter Rusack, U.S. Navy Commanders R. K. Bell and Skip Crane, fellow members of BUD/S Class 47, and members of the broader UDT/SEAL brotherhood and members of Los Caballeros as well as the board of the foundation.

More than a memoir, THE PAINTED FROG is a historical record of Naval Special Warfare heritage, athletic achievement, artistic expression, and lifelong service. It is the story of one man who refused to let history be forgotten. Proceeds from the sale of this book support the Patriot Seal Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit organization established by Pete Carolan before his passing in 2022. Through education, preservation, and storytelling, the Foundation continues its mission to preserve the history, legacy, and contributions of UDT and SEAL veterans for future generations.