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