They called John Watts "Shadow" because the Navy had an unwritten rule that using the N-word was not good for morale. John was one of the first Black Navy SEALs, and the only Black man in his platoon. As such, he faced more hardship than any of his fellow Naval recruits. Yet he placed his life on the line through two tours in Vietnam despite how he was treated, and despite how his fellow Blacks were treated back in the States.

SHADOW S.E.A.L. is one man's tale of overcoming constant degradation, of proving himself to those who thought him less than a man, and of ultimately redeeming himself in their eyes.