Last Surviving Person Of The Very First U.S. Navy SEAL Team Celebrates 94th Birthday

May 31, 2019

To call 94-year-old Bill Dawson, a decorated veteran would be an understatement of epic proportions. The fact is Dawson was an original member of the Naval Combat Demolition Unit. The team was often referred to as 'frogmen' and formed what we now know as the Navy SEALs.

Dawson was a fresh-faced 17-year-old when he joined World War II and fought in the Pacific Theater. Dawson remained in the thick of the fight until Japan surrendered two years later in 1945.

Dawson penned a book about his experiences. In the book, he gives readers a first-hand account of the intense training, the unique personalities, and the wartime activities he took part in during his two years as a Navy frogman. The book comes complete with photos taken by Dawson while serving his country and newspaper clippings from the time.

Tom Hawkins is a retired commander for the Navy Seals as well as an esteemed warfare historian. Hawkins is part of the book project and adds historical details and an experienced perspective to the work.

Dawson found work as a fireman in Washington D.C. after leaving the military. He served the city in this capacity for 20 years. The veteran celebrated his 94th birthday with a group of family and friends that included two generations of granddaughters.

Dawson was also joined by coworkers from the Washington D.C. fire department.

Sherrie Soos is Dawson's granddaughter and she recalls how her grandfather would talk for hours regarding the many experiences he had in the military. She says he was always proud of the time he spent with the Navy.

Greg Turnell is the friend who now helps Dawson get around from day to day. Turnell expressed the feeling that his friend's service as a member of the fire department was just as important as his wartime duties. He doesn't want the service as a fireman to be forgotten. Turnell says Dawson has performed admirably for his country as well as his local community.

Turnwell added a bit of humor to the situation by saying people in the community also look up to Dawson for figuring out how to draw a pension for 45 years.

Were you as proud of Bill Dawson as his family and friends are? Do you dream of living to such a ripe, old age? Pass this article along to your friends and family. They will enjoy the story of the last person to be a part of the original Navy frogmen.