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3 Oct. 1993: The Battle of Mogadishu resulted in a “Blawk Hawk Down,” numerous casualties, and incredible valor.
Part of Operation Gothic Serpent, the battle was fought between irregular troops from south Mogadishu and the Somali National Alliance (SNA) led by Mohamed Farrah Aidid and a predominantly U.S. force operating under the United Nations flag that included a handful of troops from Malaysia and Pakistan led by Maj. Gen. William F. Garrison.
The objective of seizing two of Aidid’s top lieutenants in a secret meeting was achieved, but the UN force lost three Blawk Hawk helicopters to Somalis employing RPGs. Two of the choppers went down deep in the city and the battle to save the Americans raged through the night.
An armored column broke through and rescued the survivors, but continued to suffer losses on the return to base. When it was over, 18 Americans were killed and 84 wounded. In addition, the Malaysians lost one killed and seven wounded, and the Pakistanis had two men wounded. CWO Michael Durant, who piloted the second downed chopper was captured.
Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously to two Green Berets: MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shugart, Delta Force snipers who volunteered to protect survivors at Durant’s crash site and were overrun and killed. It was the largest loss of American lives since the Vietnam War.
For more details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993)
ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) Special Forces noncoms try to fight off attackers in Mogadishu before being overwhelmed. (2) Men of TF Ranger battle Somali fighters. (3) SOF AH-6J “Little Birds” feasting in Mogadishu. (4) AH-MH6-Ms in action over Mogadishu. (5) Rangers on the move late at night. (6) Delta Force soldiers engage Somalis. (7) GIs call for a medic to aid a wounded soldier during a heavy firefight. (8) Members of TF Ranger return fire from Somali fighters as they hurry to get detainees back to base. (9) Army infantrymen enter a building in Mogadishu.
Part of Operation Gothic Serpent, the battle was fought between irregular troops from south Mogadishu and the Somali National Alliance (SNA) led by Mohamed Farrah Aidid and a predominantly U.S. force operating under the United Nations flag that included a handful of troops from Malaysia and Pakistan led by Maj. Gen. William F. Garrison.
The objective of seizing two of Aidid’s top lieutenants in a secret meeting was achieved, but the UN force lost three Blawk Hawk helicopters to Somalis employing RPGs. Two of the choppers went down deep in the city and the battle to save the Americans raged through the night.
An armored column broke through and rescued the survivors, but continued to suffer losses on the return to base. When it was over, 18 Americans were killed and 84 wounded. In addition, the Malaysians lost one killed and seven wounded, and the Pakistanis had two men wounded. CWO Michael Durant, who piloted the second downed chopper was captured.
Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously to two Green Berets: MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shugart, Delta Force snipers who volunteered to protect survivors at Durant’s crash site and were overrun and killed. It was the largest loss of American lives since the Vietnam War.
For more details, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993)
ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) Special Forces noncoms try to fight off attackers in Mogadishu before being overwhelmed. (2) Men of TF Ranger battle Somali fighters. (3) SOF AH-6J “Little Birds” feasting in Mogadishu. (4) AH-MH6-Ms in action over Mogadishu. (5) Rangers on the move late at night. (6) Delta Force soldiers engage Somalis. (7) GIs call for a medic to aid a wounded soldier during a heavy firefight. (8) Members of TF Ranger return fire from Somali fighters as they hurry to get detainees back to base. (9) Army infantrymen enter a building in Mogadishu.
Posted in these groups: Mogadishu
Military History
Military History
Edited 1 mo ago
Posted 1 mo ago
Responses: 4
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Never to be forgotten by those who were there or those of us who had buddies there.
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One of my team leaders in the first platoon I had the privilege to lead was there. He assumed control of SGT Pilla's M60 after his death. He suffered greatly from PTSD and went back on active duty, eventually retiring as a Master Sergeant.
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It was a very bad day for the U.S. and the administration didn't have the balls to do the right thing. Cut and run in disgrace. The same family would do a repeat performance later in Bengasi, different administration, same results. Players in different roles but the same party in control.
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