Carl Brashear

Carl Brashear
Brashear as a Master Chief Petty Officer, c. 1970s
Birth nameCarl Maxie Brashear
Born(1931-01-19)19 January 1931
Died25 July 2006(2006-07-25) (aged 75)
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
Service years1948–1979
RankMaster Chief Petty Officer
ConflictsKorean War
AwardsNavy and Marine Corps Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Carl Maxie Brashear (19 January 1931 – 25 July 2006) was an American sailor who served in the United States Navy as a Master Diver. He was among the first African-Americans to obtain that qualification, doing so in 1970 despite the amputation of his lower left leg in 1966. The 2000 film Men of Honor was based on his life.