A Sergeant First Class (SFC) assigned to Task Force (TF) Ranger – killed in action on 3 October 1993 in Mogadishu, Somalia:

The SFC was the point man for his team as they moved to the site of the downed aircraft. He knew the dangers but continued to move towards the site under intense small arms and rocket fire. He selflessly exposed himself to direct fire to provide cover for his team. He was mortally wounded while laying down a base of fire so that the remainder of his team could move to cover. His efforts enabled the remainder of the team to continue their movement to the downed helicopter – eventually resulting in the rescue of all wounded in action and the recovery of the bodies and equipment of the killed in action. He died fighting for his mates and we are all sure that he would not have it any other way. Mission accomplishment was his creed. He will always be remembered for his "follow me" attitude.

A Special Operations (SF) Master Sergeant (MSG) attached to TF Ranger – died of wounds 4 October 1993 in Mogadishu, Somalia:

The MSG was providing security for the Ranger ground reaction force when the driver of the vehicle to his front was wounded. He immediately responded by providing emergency care to the driver and by taking over the driver's responsibilities in an effort to keep the force moving. Almost immediately another Ranger was wounded, the MSG left his vehicle and began life-saving procedures on the wounded soldier. He was under heavy fire the entire time. He returned to his vehicle and began to drive the casualties out of the "kill zone" when a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) hit him, this was a fatal wound. In the aftermath of the battle the Rangers on the scene stated – "his leadership and courage in aiding a fallen comrade are examples that every Ranger can be proud of… the MSG exemplified the third stanza of the Ranger creed "never shall I fail my comrades."

A SFC attached to TF Ranger:

The SFC's actions on 3 October 1993 were exemplary in every manner. His cool, competent leadership in an extreme situation was an example to every member of the force. He led his team to the crash site while under intense small arms fire. He was instrumental in establishing the defense of the site by securing the west side of the crash site. Without guidance, the SFC led his team across the road, which by this time, was being raked by small arms and RPG fire. He cleared the buildings on the east side of the road and quickly established a strongpoint that had line of sight and fire of the area. He led his team in repelling numerous attacks and infiltration attempts by the Somali forces. At times they were engaging the enemy at distances of five meters or less. Throughout the night the SFC worked tirelessly to ensure that all friendly forces in his sector were linked up and tied into the defense of the crash site. His efforts were instrumental in the successful recovery of all wounded in action and killed in action form the downed helicopter.

United States Navy SEAL's attached to TF Ranger:

All of these individuals were instrumental in assisting the initial evacuation of casualties. They cooly laid down a base of fire that enabled the ground reaction force to move out of an intense kill zone. We will always consider these members of a sister Service to be part of our unit. In particular, one SEAL – though wounded twice - provided valorous fire support. He stayed in the fight despite heavy contact and continued to provide the critical fire that in the end saved lives and casualties.

Visitor since 23 February 1998

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page