Most people know Jesse Ventura as a pro-wrestler or as the Governor of Minnesota from 1999 – 2003. However, prior to his high profile public image Jesse Ventura also served as an United States Navy SEAL. In fact, he has been quoted as saying that his body building and physical appearance are direct results of his discipline and training which he gained while serving as a Navy SEAL.
Between September of 1969 and 1975, Jesse Ventura served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning home he was awarded with the Vietnam Service medal and the National Defense Service Medal
Jesse Ventura composed an autobiography wherein he revealed a great deal about his time spent in the Navy SEALs. He speaks frankly about going through BUD/S Training and how hard the program was for him to endure. Jesse Ventura further showed his respect to the Navy SEALs when he asked his SEAL Chief Terry Moy to be with him when he was officially sworn in as governor of Minnesota. Terry agreed and stood by his side.
Throughout his life Jesse Ventura has been blessed with many accomplishments. He has held a place in office, has had an excellent wrestling career, and has accomplished more than most men can ever imagine. However, at the top of this all, Jesse Ventura has held a great respect and admiration for the lessons he learned and the training he endured while serving as a United States Navy SEAL.
September 14th, 2009 - 1:23 pm
Jesse was in UDTs. Not a SEAL. Yes he went through BUD/S. But, he was not a SEAL.
September 22nd, 2009 - 11:12 am
Jessie was never in SEAL Team, he was UDT. in 1983 UDT was eliminated and combined into SEAL Teams.
December 31st, 2009 - 2:25 am
This site is a joke.
“Upon returning home he was awarded with the Vietnam Service medal and the National Defense Service Medal.”
Me too. I’m not a hero warrior. A cook or a clerk got those same medals.
Jesse is a blowhard idiot and if this site has any real SEAL connection it should stop spewing crap like this.
January 28th, 2010 - 6:07 pm
Please let me add myself to the growing list of Sailors who object to this clown claiming to be something he wasn’t. UDT 12 existed at the same time as the SEAL’s did, had Ventura wanted to become a SEAL he could have and he would have been all but guaranteed to see combat in Vietnam. He chose not to.
There is absolutely no shame in serving in the UDT or anywhere else in the military, but he really needs to stop the damn lies about his service.
Phony wrestler, phony SEAL.
March 14th, 2010 - 3:59 pm
From September 11, 1969 to September 10, 1975, during the Vietnam War era, he served in the United States Navy.[1] While on active duty, Ventura was part of Underwater Demolition Team 12 (UDT).[4] The UDT was merged with the US Navy SEALs in 1983, 8 years after Ventura was no longer in the Navy. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal but was not in combat thus did not qualify for the Combat Action Ribbon.
Anyone believing this clown was a Seal is nuts. I to have a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal but mine has three bronze campaign stars. On top of that I have a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and a Rifle Expert Badge. Ventura is a wannabe. I tried listening to him talk the other night on FOX news and neither does he not know a single thing about politics, he can’t even talk.
Semper-FI
RED DOG
Sergeant of Marines
1963-1969
Vietnam 1965-66
Staff Sergeant of Soldiers
1979-82