The Painted Frog

The Painted Frog is the remarkable legacy memoir of Pete "The Pirate" Carolan—UDT 13 Navy SEAL Frogman, Apollo 13 Capsule recovery team, combat artist, Vietnam veteran, and founder of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation. Through his extraordinary life, readers are taken inside the origins of America's elite maritime warriors, tracing the evolution of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) into today's legendary U.S. Navy SEALs.

More than a military memoir, The Painted Frog preserves the untold history of the Frogmen through firsthand accounts, rare photographs, and personal reflections from members of BUD/S Classes 47, 49, and 50. The book reveals Pete Carolan's influence on Naval Special Warfare—including stories surrounding the artwork that inspired elements of the iconic Navy SEAL Trident—and his service during the Vietnam War, the Apollo 13 recovery mission aboard Helicopter 66, and the creation of Freddy the Frog, now permanently preserved with Helo 66 at the USS Midway Museum.

With a foreword by Commander Skip Crane, USN (Ret.), opening reflections by Captain Tom Murphy, USN (Ret.), and written by award-winning ghostwriter and publisher Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, this powerful tribute brings together the voices of Navy SEALs, Frogmen, military leaders, and lifelong friends who knew Pete best.

The book also celebrates the ongoing work of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the legacy of the Navy Frogmen while supporting Navy SEALs, veterans, first responders, and their families through equine and K9-assisted programs for those living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and related conditions. It further honors the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, where Pete Carolan's artwork and the history of Naval Special Warfare continue to inspire future generations.

For readers of military history, leadership, resilience, and the brotherhood of those who serve, The Painted Frog is both a historical record and a lasting tribute to the quiet professionals who changed history from beneath the surface. Contributing legacy voices include: Charles Prouty, Steve Mensinger, Andy McTigue, Peggyann Morley, President of PSHF. The entire board of Directors, Los Caballeros, and leaders in the world of art. Both Al Starr and USN (Ret.) Lieutenant Ernest Jahncke of the Apollo 13 Capsule Recovery Team, 1970. Closing reflection; Hunter Rusack of the Wrigley Family.

Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray is the author of <b><i>The Painted Frog</i>,</b> the authorized biography of Navy Frogman, UDT-13/Navy SEAL, Vietnam veteran, military artist, and Apollo 13 Command Module Recovery Team member Pete "the Pirate" Carolan.<br>Commissioned by the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, Ray completed the book following extensive interviews with Carolan's family, friends, fellow service members, and others who knew and worked alongside him. Although she never personally met Carolan, she approached his story as a legacy-preservation project, bringing together firsthand accounts, historical research, military service records, and personal memories to document a remarkable American life.<br><b><i>The Painted Frog</i></b> follows Carolan from his service as a Navy Frogman and SEAL through Vietnam and his role in the recovery of the Apollo 13 Command Module, while also exploring the artistic legacy he created after his military career. His artwork is represented in institutions including the USS Midway Museum and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.<br>Ray is the Founder of Golden Ray Publishing, where she specializes in preserving military history, veteran legacies, and extraordinary life stories through professionally produced books and legacy projects. Her works are found in the <b>San Diego Navy SEAL Museum with MOY BELL; The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday. </b><br>A portion of the proceeds from <b><i>The Painted Frog</i> </b>supports the mission of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, including therapeutic equine and K9 programs serving veterans and first responders affected by PTSD, TBI, and related conditions.<br>Through <b><i>The Painted Frog</i></b>, Ray honors not only Pete Carolan's extraordinary service and artistic legacy, but the generations of American warriors whose stories deserve to be remembered. Connect with our media team through the foundation website and our social media pages located on FB and LinkedIn.