SALISBURY, Md.- He is one of the most talked about men in America right now: the former Navy SEAL who helped bring down the most wanted face of terrorism, Osama bin Laden. Going under the pen name Mark Owen, the SEAL detailed the mission in his book, "No Easy Day," and gave a first-hand account in a 60 Minutes interview Sunday night with Scott Pelley.
While the story has generated controversy, it is also capturing worldwide attention, and has people on Delmarva talking.
"It was very informative," said Carl Ballance of Ocean Pines. "As a matter of fact, I didn't know they would put all the details out, which they did but I'm looking forward to reading the book.
Ever since bin Laden's death, the world has wondered how it happened, and about the men that carried out the mission.
On Sunday night, the SEAL Team 6 member known as "Mark Owen" answered those questions and more in an exclusive 60 Minutes interview.
"So once you went through the door, you didn't know what you were going to be facing," noted Pelley in the interview.
"Right," Owen responded. "But, again, it goes back to that years of experience. I mean we've done this a million times."
But it was this one time that counted.
Owen was the second SEAL up the stairs into bin Laden's bedroom. He was one of the men who shot the world's most wanted terrorist to death.
After returning home to the United States, the SEALS were given a couple of days off. And the first thing Mark Owen did was take a trip to Taco Bell.
It was a seemingly "normal" act in a life that has become anything but.
Some think the story should never have been made public.
"I don't think it was a smart thing to do, actually," remarked Sandra Mills of Salisbury. "That sort of thing is sort of done with the stipulation that it's done covertly, quietly and you know, it shouldn't be out there for everybody to see."
While Owen is taking heat, he is also defending himself.
"I've had nothing but an outpouring of support from the guys who know me," he said. "To quote one of my friends, he said, 'Hey, if anybody can tell this story and do it right, it's you.'" And I'm not taking that and trying to toot my own horn. They know I'm doing it right."
Owen has said his book is not about him, but rather a tribute the hundreds of Americans that were integral in the 10-year pursuit of bin Laden.
© (Photo: 60 Minutes)
