Wilcox BOSS Xe

The Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu

Everyday marks an anniversary of a significant event in American military history, but today stands out among them.

On this date in 1993, US service members were engaged in what is now known as the Battle of Mogadishu. A joint organization was formed named ” TF Ranger” to deploy to Mogadishu, Somalia in support of a UN-led humanitarian mission. Already having conducted operations for some time, on 3 October they raided the city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.

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. 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.

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, with the stand up of its 3rd Battalion. Thirty-five years later, the Ranger Regiment boasts boasts five battalions of some of the most elite warriors on the face of our planet.

8 Responses to “The Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu”

  1. Josh F says:

    Razors edge

  2. Marcus says:

    Never forget.

    God Bless the men of Task Force Ranger.

  3. E. says:

    Rest easy Brothers, we will never forget, never leave a Brother behind.
    Rangers Lead The Way, All The Way Hoo-Ah!!!

  4. jmdavis says:

    ‘Thirty-five years later, the Ranger Regiment boasts boasts five battalions of some of the most elite WARRIORS on the face of our planet’ – very much in line with the current agenda. Navy SEALs recently went gender neutral; references to ‘brotherhood’ and ‘man’ were removed from the official ethos to include more gender neutral terms such as ‘warrior’ and ‘citizen’. Brave New World …

    Regarding Mogadishu, congresswoman Ilhan Omar claimed that American forces killed ‘thousands of Somalis’ in 1993 …

  5. Bob says:

    I don’t know why we spend so much time lionizing these guys. They got complacent and it bit them in the ass.

    • SGT Rock says:

      Hey Stud, maybe if you brushed up on your history a bit you’d realize that they were failed by their civilian governmental leadership/administration. Particularly the POTUS at the time and the SecDef, namely Bill Clinton and Les Aspin. Do your research before you start slinging mud/accusations. RLTW!

    • Matt says:

      Because they dared. Because the persevered and completed their mission. Becasue they showed great fidelity to their own. Because the hard-learned lessons of that day have helped so many other warriors.

      Most importantly, because they were Americans, volunteers, warriors, and for some, brothers in arms.