A 1967 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Dick Couch served with the Navy Underwater Demolition and SEAL Teams. He led one of the only successful POW rescue operations of the Vietnam War, while a platoon leader with SEAL Team One in 1970. On release from active duty in 1972, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency, where he served as a Maritime Operations Officer. He is the author of numerous books and articles on military special operations. He also serves as a consultant and keynote speaker on issues of tactical ethics, moral battlefield conduct, and the future employment American Special Operations Forces. Dick and his wife, Julia, live in Idaho. He is also the author of Sua Sponte: The Forging of a Modern American Ranger.