Operation Gothic Serpent Oct. 3, 1992

[txradioguy]

On this day in military history we remember Bravo Company 3rd Ranger Battalion, C Squadron, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), better known as "Delta Force"; helicopters flown by 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment; Air Force Combat Controllers; Air Force Pararescuemen; and Navy SEALs for their heroic actions during The Battle of Mogadishu or Day of the Rangers (Somali: Maalintii Rangers), part of Operation Gothic Serpent. It was fought on 3–4 October 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, between forces of the United States—supported by UNOSOM II—and Somali militiamen loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be Mohamed Farrah Aidid, who had support from armed fighters. The battle is also referred to as the First Battle of Mogadishu, to distinguish it amongst the nine major Battles of Mogadishu during the decades-long Somali Civil War.

The initial U.S. Joint Special Operations force, Task Force Ranger, was a collaboration of various elite special forces units from Army Special Operations Command, Air Force Special Operations Command and Navy Special Warfare Command. Task Force Ranger was dispatched to seize two of Aidid's high-echelon lieutenants during a meeting in the city. The goal of the operation was achieved, though conditions spiraled into the deadly Battle of Mogadishu. The initial operation of 3 October 1993, intended to last an hour, became an overnight standoff and rescue operation extending into the daylight hours of 4 October.

The first Medals of Honor awarded since the Vietnam War were given to MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to protect the crew of the downed MH-60L call sign "Super 6-2".
In all 19 U.S. soldiers were killed, 73 wounded, 1 captured (CW3 Michael Durant, pilot of Super 6-2). 300 enemy combatants were killed with another 800 wounded.

Today we remember the sacrifice, professionalism and embodiment of the warrior spirit exemplified over two days of hell known as "The Battle of Mogadishu".

#RLTW #ArmyTeam

[txradioguy]

My first experience in losing people I got to know in the pressure cooker of a combat zone happened during my participation in Operation Restore Hope. Fast friends made during my deployment with the 50th Public Affairs Detachment, assigned to 1st Brigade 10th Mountain Division, Mogadishu Somalia.

The memory of the young E-5 sergeant I featured in a story on training infantry soldiers for riot control, and the MP SSG on convoy escort duty with us during a week long trek to Kismayou. Both from the 977th MP Company, both killed on this day 25 years ago. I had already left country by the time this battle erupted, but I'd known some of the people involved and their death affected me like I was there when it happened.

Its why I volunteered to go back that Christmas and spent another 10 days in that hell hole to try and exercise my guilt for not being there when it happened. I wish I could say it was the only time I lost friends while in harms way, but I can't. But today, I will remember and honor them and when I'm finally home tonight, lift a glass in their honor. You're never forgotten.

[Sanguine]

@txradioguy, did you write this?

[txradioguy]

@txradioguy, did you write this?

@Sanguine yes I did.

[mystery-ak]

I will never forget the parents of SFC Randy Shughart testify before Congress..it was heartbreaking..I sat and cried.

Black Hawk Down was another debacle of Clinton...they asked for support and he refused..the Clintons are good at not helping our military when in need.

[txradioguy]

I will never forget the parents of SFC Randy Shughart testify before Congress..it was heartbreaking..I sat and cried.

Black Hawk Down was another debacle of Clinton...they asked for support and he refused..the Clintons are good at not helping our military when in need.

Les Aspin resigned because of his refusal of MG Montgomery's request for armor in Somalia...as he rightfully should have.

Sadly the Turkish 3 Star that was the overall operational commander was jailed at the beginning of the Ergodan military purge 5 years ago.

[mystery-ak]

Les Aspin resigned because of his refusal of MG Montgomery's request for armor in Somalia...as he rightfully should have.

Sadly the Turkish 3 Star that was the overall operational commander was jailed at the beginning of the Ergodan military purge 5 years ago.

Yes Les Aspin fell on his sword for Clinton.

I read at the time that the guilt of this episode led to his death....Clinton on the other hand didn't lose a night's sleep.

[txradioguy]

Yes Les Aspin fell on his sword for Clinton.

I read at the time that the guilt of this episode led to his death....Clinton on the other hand didn't lose a night's sleep.

Neither of the Clinton's lose a nights sleep about the decisions they make that cost the lives of other people.  From Mogadishu to Bengazi they've left a trail of bodies and never lost a minutes sleep.

[Sanguine]

Thanks, @txradioguy, one of mine was in that area shortly thereafter.  I remember it well.