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.
About the Author :
Raised along the shores of Huntington Beach, Pete Carolan's earliest years were shaped by the rhythm, power, and unpredictability of the Pacific. As a dedicated ocean lifeguard, he developed not only a deep respect for the water, but the instinct, discipline, and courage that would define his life's path. It was here, scanning the horizon and responding to the call of others in need, that Pete first embodied the spirit of service.That calling would carry him into the training of BUDS, Basic Underwater Demolition, during the Vietnam draft, where he began his military career as a Navy Frogman with Underwater Demolition Team 13- the elite predecessors to today's Navy SEALS.Serving as a cartographer and conducting beach reconnaissance missions, Pete played a critical role during two combat tours in the Vietnam War. His work demanded precision, resilience, and the quiet courage required to operate in some of the most dangerous and unrecognized theaters of war. In 1970, Pete "the Pirate" Carolan became part of a moment that would capture the attention of the world. During the historic recovery of Apollo 13 recovery operation, Pete served in the mission that brought American astronauts safely back to Earth. It was during this operation that he left an indelible mark on history- not through orders, but through his art. But his story does not end with service. His artwork - rooted in experience, symbolism, and a deep understanding of brotherhood and sacrifice - has gone on to live within the walls of the nation's most respected institutions. His work can be found in The Pentagon, The White House, military installations, within VFW halls and American Legion posts, and the renowned National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, FL. His military combat mural pieces spanning four generations from Vietnam to 911 continue to expand into national museum exhibitions, carrying forward stories that cannot be forgotten. A retired Navy Captain, a combat veteran, an Olmsted Scholar, and a U.S. Navy SEAL for 25 years, Tom rose through the ranks to become the Commanding Officer of two different SEAL commands, including the much-publicized SEAL Team Six.The Navy SEAL Trident. It is one of the proudest military insignia a man can wear. Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of this U.S. Navy SEAL as he transcends the depths of trauma to explore the essence of spirituality in "Beyond the Trident." Follow the captivating narrative of the author's evolution from the rigors of military training and combat operations to the profound realms of the human spirit, where the pursuit of purpose and the quest for spiritual understanding converge in a narrative of courage, resilience, and self-discovery.Drawing upon the metaphor of a three-legged stool representing mind, body, and spirit, this autobiographical memoir delves into the enduring impacts of trauma on each facet of our existence. Through the lenses of religion, science, and metaphysics, the author reflects on his odyssey from skepticism to a profound spiritual understanding, enriched by a wealth of reading culminating in a curated list of insightful books.Experience the multifaceted world of a Navy SEAL, from the intensity of SEAL training and operations to the vibrant, life-filled camaraderie of individual SEALs as they transition from young men to being the world's most highly trained commandos.From the adrenaline-fueled world of SEAL operations to the introspective depths of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this book provides a rare glimpse into the dual nature of the military combat experience. Gain insights into the universal quest for meaning, the interplay between spirituality and science, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Founder of Golden Ray Publishing and a military heritage author dedicated to preserving the stories of America's veterans and military leaders. Through extensive interviews, historical research, and legacy preservation, she documents lives of service that might otherwise be lost to time.*The Painted Frog* is the authorized biography of renowned military artist and U.S. Navy UDT-13/Frogman Pete "The Pirate" Carolan. Commissioned by the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation, the book was developed through hundreds of hours of interviews with Pete's BUDS Class 47' teammates, fellow Navy SEALs, friends, and military historians following his passing in 2022. Although she never met Pete personally, Lisa carefully assembled his remarkable story from those who knew him best, preserving his legacy for future generations.Her work focuses on military history, biography, and legacy publishing, ensuring that the sacrifices, accomplishments, and personal journeys of veterans are remembered with authenticity and respect. Through Golden Ray Publishing, she continues to partner with military organizations and families to transform historical records and personal memories into professionally published works that honor those who served.
Review :
1. Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation (Official Endorsement)"The Painted Frog is more than a biography-it is the preservation of Pete 'The Pirate' Carolan's extraordinary life, his art, and his unwavering commitment to the Navy SEAL community. This book ensures that future generations will understand not only the history of the Teams, but the character of the men who built them."- Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation2. Commander (Ret.) Tom MurphyOpening Reflections
"Pete Carolan belonged to a generation of Frogmen whose service, humility, and brotherhood helped define what it means to be a Navy SEAL. Through meticulous research and heartfelt storytelling, Lisa Ray has preserved Pete's legacy with the dignity and respect it deserves."- Commander (Ret.) Tom MurphyCo-founder, SEAL Team Six3. Hunter RusackClosing Reflections
"The Painted Frog captures something larger than one man's life-it preserves an era of American military history through the eyes of an artist, warrior, and friend. Pete's story deserves to be remembered, and this book ensures it never will be forgotten."- Hunter RusackLos Caballeros4. Peggyann MorleyPresident, Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation
"Pete Carolan dedicated his life to preserving the heritage of the Frogmen through his artwork. Lisa Ray has now preserved Pete's own story with the same passion and commitment. The Painted Frog is a lasting tribute to a remarkable American."- Peggyann MorleyPresident, Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation5. John BennettVice President of Strategic Partnerships
"Every page reflects the respect, authenticity, and brotherhood that defined Pete Carolan's life. This is a legacy book that honors not only one man but the entire Navy SEAL community."- John BennettVice President of Strategic Partnerships, Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation6. Charles ProutyBUD/S Class 47 - Former FBI
"Pete's story represents courage, creativity, and a lifetime of service beyond the battlefield. Lisa Ray has preserved that legacy in a way that will educate, inspire, and honor generations to come."- Charles ProutyBUD/S Class 47 - Former FBI7. Dr. (h.c.) Lisa RayAuthor's Statement
"I never had the privilege of meeting Pete Carolan. Instead, I came to know him through the voices of those who loved, served beside, and respected him. Their memories became this book. My responsibility was simply to listen carefully, preserve faithfully, and ensure that Pete's remarkable legacy would never be forgotten."- Dr. (h.c.) Lisa RayFounder, Golden Ray Publishing Military Heritage Author Legacy Preservation Publisher
THE PAINTED FROG is the true story of Navy UDT/SEAL veteran Pete Carolan-UDT 13 Vietnam veteran, Apollo 13 Capsule recovery lead swimmer, champion waterman, combat muralist and artist, historian, and founder of the Patriot SEAL Heritage Foundation.
His life spans defining eras of Naval Special Warfare history, from Vietnam combat service to early UDT legacy operations and the evolution of the modern SEAL community. Carolan served two tours in Vietnam as a cartographer and remained connected to naval operations during the Apollo 13 capsule recovery in 1970, when U.S. Navy forces supported historic space missions.
Beyond military service, in his youth, he was a Junior Olympic swimmer, Orange County champion swimmer, and part of the legendary 1978 Molokaʻi-to-Oʻahu canoe victory with the Blazing Paddles team that he founded after attending USC, the first California crew to win the world championship crossing. Pete received the mayor's award from his brother at Sigma Chi, a Significant Sig, and a key to the city of Costa Mesa, CA. His life reflected endurance, discipline, and team culture across water, sport, and service.
As an artist, Carolan created works honoring military service, firefighters, and special operations personnel. His artwork is preserved in major institutions, including the USS Midway Museum, where his "Freddy the Frog" piece is part of the historical narrative from Apollo 13, and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida. The mural graces the entry and is dedicated to William M. Shepherd (CAPT) USN, SEAL, and Astronaut, who commanded the International Space Station ALPHA. His legacy also includes memorial and tribute works honoring Medal of Honor recipient Michael A. Monsoor and elite Hotshot firefighting crews with his dedicated artwork.
At the center of this story is the painted frog symbol-an emblem of identity, humor, resilience, and brotherhood within the UDT/SEAL community. It connects decades of service, friendship, and shared experience across generations of warriors. Every SEAL honors the FROGMEN, and Pete "the Pirate" Carolan was a super patriot for his country. He was commissioned into the reserves during 9/11. His artwork reflects this time in history.
The book includes contributions and reflections from members of the Naval Special Warfare community, Apollo 12 and 13 capsule recovery teams, and friends, including CAPT Skip Crane, CAPT Ronald K. Bell, Tom Murphy, Cheryl Allison, Mike Sandlin, Ted Mosure, Charlie Prouty, Bill Pozzi, Gil Espinoza, Jim Lavore, Al "Smiley" Starr, and LT. Ernest Jahncke, Lance & Deanna Green, John Bennett, April Thompson, Carol Ann Crane, Kris Marshall, Tommy Bennett, Andy McTigue, Ann Keeney, Steve Mensinger, Jeff Skelton, Tom Crone, Jim Cunningham, and Hunter Rusack.
More than a memoir, THE PAINTED FROG is a historical record of Naval Special Warfare heritage, endurance athletics, artistic legacy, and lifelong brotherhood.
