Dan Healy was born on July 17, 1968, in Exeter, New Hampshire. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1990 and after completing basic training he attended Information Technician School, and then entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in January 1991. After completing BUD/S, Jump School, and SEAL Qualification Training, Petty Officer Healy served with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE at NAB Coronado, California, from February 1992 to December 1996, followed by language school at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, from January 1997 to January 1998. His next assignment was with SEAL Team TWO at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from January 1998 to February 2000, and during this time he deployed aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD-15) from April to October 1999. Petty Officer Healy served with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE after its move to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from March 2000 to March 2005, and then deployed with SEAL Team TEN to Afghanistan from March 2005 until he was killed in action during Operation Red Wings when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade on June 28, 2005. SCPO Healy was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 28 June 2005. As part of a Quick Reaction Force, Senior Chief Healy was sent to reinforce a Navy SEAL Special Reconnaissance element engaged in a fierce firefight against numerically superior Anti-Coalition Militia near Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. The Special Reconnaissance element was under siege from enemy fire in extremely rugged and unforgiving terrain. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully comprehending the ramifications of the mission, Senior Chief Healy's element launched aboard a helicopter for direct insertion onto an active battlefield, ready to engage and destroy the enemy in order to protect the lives of their fellow SEALs. While airborne Senior Chief Healy continued working with members of his team to develop the plan of attack to support both a Quick Reaction Force and an urgent execution of the intended deliberate assault. As the helicopter hovered in preparation for a daring fast-rope insertion of the SEALs, the aircraft was struck by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade fired by Anti-Coalition Militia. The resulting explosion and impact caused the tragic and untimely loss of life of all onboard. Senior Chief Healy's bravery and heroism in the face of severe danger while fighting the Global War on Terrorism was extraordinary. By his courageous actions, zealous initiative, and loyal dedication to duty, Senior Chief Healy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.