Marcus Luttrell

Marcus Luttrell is a former United States Navy SEAL, author, and motivational speaker best known as the sole survivor of Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005.

Marcus Luttrell is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who became the sole survivor of Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in 2005. He later wrote the memoir *Lone Survivor*, co-founded the Lone Survivor Foundation, and saw his story adapted into a 2013 film.

What it is

Marcus Luttrell is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, author, and motivational speaker. He served from 1999 to 2007, completing BUD/S training with Class 228 and serving with SEAL Team Ten. He is best known as the only survivor of Operation Red Wings, a 2005 reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan that was ambushed by Taliban fighters.

Why it matters

Luttrell's story became widely known through his memoir *Lone Survivor* and the 2013 film adaptation, highlighting the sacrifices of special operations forces. He received the Navy Cross for combat heroism and later founded the Lone Survivor Foundation in 2010 to support wounded veterans and their families.

Key details

Born November 7, 1975, in Houston, Texas, Luttrell joined the Navy in 1999. On June 28, 2005, his four-man SEAL team was discovered and attacked; Luttrell was the sole survivor. He was medically retired after a second tour and has since authored books including *Service*.