#252 Matt Bissonnette - SEAL Team 6 Operator’s First-Hand Account of Operation Neptune Spear

This section delves into the backstory and pivotal role played by Matt Bissonnette, a former Navy SEAL, in the notorious mission that led to the demise of Osama bin Laden.

Matt's Upbringing and Path to Navy Seals

Matt Bissonnette's story begins in a unique setting thousands of miles away from where his military career would later take him.

Raised As the Sole White Child In a Remote Alaskan Village With Missionary Parents

Born in California and raised in Antioch, Alaska, Matt Bissonnette grew up 350 miles northwest of Anchorage on the Kuskokwim River. The village housed about 500 people, mostly Native Alaskans, with Bissonnette being one of the few white children there. Despite being a minority, he felt a sense of acceptance and pride within the community, where the color of one's skin wasn't a concern. His upbringing was deeply rooted in a Christian missionary family—his father, also the village magistrate and a teacher, would bring home people he’d sentenced for minor offenses to attend church services.

Passion For Seals Developed Young, Reading About Exploits

From a young age, Bissonnette's idea of the world was shaped by the natural expanses of the Alaskan wilderness. His village life was isolated, with fuel delivered annually by barge. This remote upbringing led to a significant culture shock when he transitioned to Southern California for college, confronted with new experiences like freeways and gas pumps. Bissonnette enlisted in the Navy as a torpedo man after earning a social science degree he deemed a waste of time. His determination propelled him through SEAL training in BUD/S class 226 and into the prestigious ranks of SEAL Team 6.

Matt's Role in Osama Bin Laden Raid

Bissonnette’s military narrative is intricately linked to the historical raid that targeted Al-Qaeda's leader.

Crash Landing of Blackhawk Helicopter During Raid

The night of the raid marked several dramatic moments, including a Blackhawk helicopter crash. Bissonnette described missing their landing spot, which initially felt like a setback but likely turned out to be serendipitous, as they were spared more severe consequences. While executing a plan to squish the enemy in the main house, a helicopter, unable to maintain a hover due to warmer temperatures, tilted 90 degrees and nearly ejected Bissonnette through the door upon landing. The helicopter, propped against a wall on its only load-bearing wheel, narrowly avoided rolling over and exploding, a fate diverted by precise landing.

Witnessed Bin Laden's Killing and Body Retrieval

During the internal progression of the raid, Bissonnette did not explicitly detail witnessing the killing of Osama bin Laden but alluded to his involvement when he described the SEALs' engagement with Bin Laden's son Khalid, c ...

Matt Bissonnette faced an extensive legal battle with the U.S. government following the publication of his book "No Easy Day," which recounted the raid that led to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Matt's Decision to Write "No Easy Day"

Matt Bissonnette explained that he wrote "No Easy Day" to tell the story of the raid without seeking personal fame. He intended to publish the book under the radar, without using his real name or showing his face. During the writing process, his attorney, Kevin Podlowski, advised him that no pre-publication review from the Pentagon was needed, claiming to have the authority to ensure nothing classified was included. This advice turned out to be detrimental, as the government later accused Bissonnette of leaking classified information.

Lawyer Advised No Pre-publication Review Needed

Bissonnette consulted a lawyer, a former SOCOM JAG now in civilian practice, who assured him that it was legal to proceed without Pentagon's pre-publication review. The lawyer, knowing he was not planning to use his name and promised to vet the book himself, suggested there was no obligation for a review. This advice came as the publisher was pushing for a release before the presidential election, which ultimately led to significant legal troubles.

Government Accuses Matt Of Leaking Classified Information

The government accused Bissonnette of leaking classified information upon the publication of "No Easy Day." They took issue with details like the publication of the Fortube night vision goggles, claiming they were highly classified. Bissonnette, however, refuted the accusation by pointing out that this information was already available on the manufacturer's website. Further issues were taken on seemingly trivial matters like the weight of boats mentioned in the book.

Despite Bissonnette attempting to cooperate by relinquishing attorney-client privilege and submitting his computer for government review, and expressing a willingness to engage transparently with legal proceedings, the government was relentless.

The Government's Financial and Legal Assault on Matt

Government Demands Matt Return Book Earnings, Forcing 15-year Payment Plan

As a result of the controversy, the government demanded Bissonnette return all the earnings from his book, which left him in a financially difficult position. He was put on a 15-year repayment plan, paying $3,800 per month, a financial burden ironically surpass ...

Matt Bissonnette speaks candidly of the challenges he faces while transitioning from his military service to civilian life, as well as the psychological and emotional toll that followed.

Psychological and Emotional Impact of Government's Actions on Matt

Suicidal Thoughts and Seal Community Abandonment

Bissonnette found himself in a very dark place after leaving the SEAL teams. He felt isolated having lost his entire community and support system, which led him to consider ending his life. He had reached a point where he had a gun in his mouth, embodying the severity of his struggles. Bissonnette revealed the betrayal and abandonment he experienced from the SEAL community he once would have died for. After attempting to connect with a former commanding officer, he was succinctly told to "delete me," furthering his sense of exclusion.

Struggled to Find Purpose and Community Outside Military

In the face of these dark times, Bissonnette had difficulties finding a new purpose and community after his military tenure. His disenchantment with the military's leadership and strategy, especially after the bin Laden raid, also played into his decision to leave. Once he left, he found life without the adrenaline rushes and dangers he'd become accustomed to left a void, which he referred to as "Lack of Traumatic Stress Disorder" (LTSD), as he missed the high-stress environment of the military.

Neck and Back Surgery: Challenges With VA Healthcare

Physically, Matt grappled with significant injuries sustained during service. It took a year and a half of suffering before he received adequate care outside of the Veteran's Affairs system, who had only supplied him with pain medication without proper diagnosis. Eventually, surgery by Dr. Robert Bray, an Air Force-trained surgeon, was required for his nearly broken neck.

Matt's Efforts to Rebuild Life and Find Meaning

Despite these challenges, Bissonnette is actively rebuilding his life and finding new significance in civilian spheres.

Consultant and Executive Producer for "Seal Team"

Starting with his consulting and executive producer role on CBS's "SEAL Team," Bissonnette uses his experience to ensure the show accurately depicts the fuller experience of being a SEAL, beyond just combat scenarios. The inv ...