Some good soul on Facebook pointed out that today is the 23rd anniversary of one of the most breathtaking acts of courage in the annals of military history. Two Delta snipers gave up their lives to protect a wounded pilot during the notorious “Black Hawk Down” incident in Mogadishu, Somalia, October 3-4, 1993.
Here’s the Wiki entry on their action:
At the second crash site, two Delta snipers, MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart, were inserted by Black Hawk Super 62 – piloted by CW3 Mike Goffena. Their first two requests to be inserted were denied, but they were finally granted permission upon their third request. They inflicted heavy casualties on the approaching Somali mob. Super 62 had kept up their fire support for MSG Gordon and SFC Shughart, but an RPG struck Super 62. Despite the damage, Super 62 managed to go to the New Port and safety. When MSG Gordon was eventually killed, SFC Shughart picked up Gordon’s CAR-15 and gave it to Super 64 pilot CW3 Michael Durant. SFC Shughart went back around the chopper’s nose and held off the mob for about 10 more minutes before he was killed. The Somalis then overran the crash site and killed all but Durant. He was nearly beaten to death, but was saved when members of Aidid’s militia came to take him prisoner. For their actions, MSG Gordon and SFC Shughart were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first awarded since the Vietnam War.
Those men had to know that they were going to their deaths when they were dropped in on the wreckage of the crashed helicopter. They knew it when they requested insertion the first time. And the second time. They could have accepted the denial of their requests; they could have honorably flown away from certain death. But they insisted on going lightly armed into the face of a ravening mob and laying down their lives to protect a wounded brother.
The pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Durant, who ultimately did survive after being taken prisoner, recalled that:
They didn’t seem alarmed the situation that we were in. It was just focused on the task, doing what they needed to do to improve our situation, and get through it, get us rescued. Whatever it is they needed to do.
Breathtaking.
Yes, there are still such men. All honor to them.
Here’s the recreation of their actions from Ridley Scott’s “Black Hawk Down.”
Thom Eley says
I had a student a few years ago who was in the Army. He was on crutches and he said he would miss the 3rd class as he was having surgery on his feet and legs. I asked him what happened. “Sir, I jumped out of helicopter too high.” “Why did you do that?” “Because it was on fire and going to blow up!” Oohrah.
Matthew says
I agree with you that the greatest act of courage was that they kept trying to go into the conflict. In the midst of combat, people tend to rely on their training (good or ill.) But to keep trying to get in to such a situation that takes courage.
deuce says
They showed the “cold courage” that Tolkien spoke of. I raise a mead-horn in their honor.
That scene gets me every time. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
A buddy of mine was in the USMC serving in Somalia in 1993. He wasn’t in the battle. Still, his views on the US, its military and Islam were never the same after that day.
BTW, Tecumseh died 203yrs ago tomorrow. Another man who died in his tracks defending his tribe.
http://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/tecumseh
JimC says
I can only imagine…
Davide Mana says
I was never able to watch Black Hawk Dawn in a single sitting.
Gets to me a lot.
JimC says
It’s pretty harrowing.
john roberts says
The American military totally misread the people they were dealing with. In most parts of the world, when people hear shooting, they run away or hide. In Somalia, they grab their rifles and head for the sound of the guns. They want to get in on it before all the fun is over. Pure warrior culture, not to be messed with casually.