The Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs), which paved the way for the Allies during Overlord, along with the Seabees, formed the nucleus of what would become the UDTs. At Ft. Pierce, FL, LT CMDR Draper Kauffman, the father of Naval demolition, developed the physical training regimen that the UDT/SEALs would become renowned for, including “Hell Week” and log PT.
“What is this I hear about forty percent of your class either being in the sick bay or quitting?” — Capt. Clarence Gulbranson, base commander of Fort Pierce, to Kauffman
Black and MacMahon graduated from Kauffman’s program in 1943 and then applied for, and were accepted into, training for the Office of Strategic Services Maritime Unit. In August 1943, Kauffman and his instructors volunteered for their own program. The officers trained right alongside the enlisted recruits, beginning a tradition that has endured to this day. Afterwards, Kauffman confessed:
“I darned near died during it.”
