Bill Dawson joined the U.S. Navy shortly after World War II. His first choice was submarine duty but the Navy had other plans. Dawson and other sailors were chosen as part of the new Naval Combat Demolition Unit, known informally as "frogmen".

Their job was to clear mines and other booby traps to allow U.S. forces to land on enemy shores - from Normandy to the island-hopping campaign in the Pacific.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Mr. Dawson describes the stressful training he received for this special unit, how he executed his missions in the Pacific, what it was like to have his ship targeted by Japanese kamikaze pilots, and what it means to him to be a trailblazer for the elite Navy SEAL program.