Richard Marcinko Family Memorial Fund

As you may be aware, Navy Veteran Richard Marcinko, passed away on December 25th, Christmas evening at the age of 81. Dick proudly dedicated over 30 years of his life to the US Navy, protecting and serving our country. He was a patriot and true American hero. Even in death, Dick will continue to be an inspiration and a legend to many. America is deeply saddened by the loss of “Demo Dick”. To the outside world, he was known as the hard core Rogue Warrior and Demo Dick. To his family, he was a husband, father, and loving Opa. Few knew of his soft and giving nature. Even after retiring, Dick continued to freely offer advice, assistance, mentoring and encouragement to many, particularly to Seals, young and old alike.

 

Marcinko began his career with the US Navy in 1958 as a radioman and graduated from the Underwater Demolition Team/ Replacement (UDTR) on October 26, 1961. After graduating from Officer Candidate School in December, 1965, he was later reassigned to SEAL Team Two in June, 1966. A two-time Vietnam War veteran, Marcinko was promoted to Lieutenant Commander and assigned as the Naval Attache to Cambodia in 1973. He assumed command of SEAL Team Two from 1974 to 1976. Marcinko was the founding father and the first Commanding Officer of SEAL Team Six, the Navy's premier counter-terrorist and hostage rescue unit, from 1980-1983. Following this command, he designed and was the first commanding officer of Red Cell, a unit tasked with testing the Navy's vulnerability to terrorism.

 

Among his many accomplishments, Dick had been awarded 34 medals and citations. His legacy includes a Silver Star Medal, Bronze Stars w/V (4), The Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal w/V (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Award, Good Conduct Award (2), Presidential Unit Citation (2), Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal & Ribbon w/Device(1960-), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Service Medal, RVN Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Medal, First Class Color W/Palm) and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

 

Contrary to some beliefs that Dick and his wife are wealthy, few know the extent of financial difficulties they faced in recent years. For several years, Dick was hit hard by the economy. Over many years, his book deals dwindled significantly and other projects were not as successful as he hoped. Dick also needed to help care for his wife when she became physically disabled and unable to work due to a rare neurological condition and an autoimmune disorder. After Dicks passing, the family discovered that due to an error, there was no life insurance or death benefits for his family. This has left his family in a very difficult situation financially which we hope to remedy through your generous donations.

 

Please consider honoring Dick’s legacy by contributing to help support his wife Nancy through this very difficult time. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to help Dick's wife cover past and current debts, a mortgage, medical and living expenses, plus other expenses and debts as they arise.

 

 

Read more about Marcinko here:

Washington Post Obituary

Newsweek Article

Military Daily News

Navy Times