On this date in 1993, US service members were engaged in what is now known as the Battle of Mogadishu. They were assigned to a joint organization named ”TF Ranger” to deploy to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of a UN-led humanitarian mission. Tgeir mission was dismantle an armed militia which was threatening that aid program.
By October 3rd, they had been conducting operations for quite some time, but that day’s raid would be unlike anything they had yet experienced. The mission was to raid the city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia who had been opposing UN efforts to feed the locals.
Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid, a battle ensued which claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the Aideed militia after being shot down while piloting his Blackhawk. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th.
Of the men killed that day, two would be awarded the Medal of Honor, Delta Operators Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart, for their selfless efforts to protect Durant after his aircraft, callsign Super 64, was shot down.
A few years ago, the US Army reevaluated the awards presented to the participants of that battle and amongst the Ranger element, upgraded 60 veteran’s awards including 58 Silver Stars and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. The order of battle included other organizations and their Soldiers have received similar upgrades.
If you are unfamiliar with the events, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.
Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.
Additionally, the 75th Ranger Regiment was created on this day in 1984, along with the stand up of its 3rd Battalion. Four decades later, the Ranger Regiment boasts five battalions of some of the most elite warriors on the face of our planet.
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