Marcus Luttrell

US Navy SEAL and author · United States · On the map · Writers · Born 1975 · age 51

Marcus Luttrell is a retired United States Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005 against Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wings in which he was the lone survivor.

Marcus Luttrell is read about 1,266 times a day, in 11 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 10 November 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 105 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

2012“It's funny how serving your nation makes you part of something larger than yourself but also sets you apart.”In their wordsp. 333-334Read the whole statement

“Military life and culture seem to be foreign territory for many of the people who write for national magazines and newspapers today.”In their wordsp. 334Read the whole statement

“At West Point, the Army is doing it right.”In their wordsp. 336Read the whole statement

“No matter how good a SEAL might become, there's always someone with more seniority, experience, or skill nearby to bring him back to earth.”In their wordsp. 341Read the whole statement

“But you don't have to be a Christian, or even particularly religious, to serve. You just have to be willing to understand your place and put yourself at the end of the line.”In their wordsp. 351Read the whole statement

“All I can really tell you after walking this particular path is that I'm proud to have served my country.”In their wordsp. 352Read the whole statement

2007Navy CrossAward1975Born7 November 1975

People around Marcus

Also in Deutsch Français

Media & music

Photos 6

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

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

In their own words 2

Marcus Luttrell

2 statements, newest first

Those who serve in the military are the best of us. They're capable, honorable, and less likely to be hung up on material belongings or themselves.
2012 · p. 334-335, Own words
The urge to serve something larger than myself drew me into the military, and serving for nine years has taught me a few things.
2012 · p. 350-351, Own words

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Awards

Navy Cross2007

Purple Heart

Bronze Star Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Army Achievement Medal

Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Combat Action Ribbon

Presidential Unit Citation

Navy Unit Commendation

Meritorious Unit Commendation

Navy Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Sea Service Ribbon

NATO Medal

Marksmanship Medal

Parachutist Badge

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

About this person

Marcus Luttrell was saved because an Afghan villager named Mohammad Gulab found him, provided shelter, and protected him from the Taliban, following the traditional Pashtunwali code of hospitality. Gulab then alerted American forces, leading to a massive rescue operation that extracted the wounded SEAL. Luttrell became an SO1 by the end of his eight-year career in the United States Navy.

Country

United States