Vignettes from Mogadishu – Perspectives of Those Who Where There

Vignette 18: Special Forces Team Sergeant Attached to TF Ranger

Two U.S. Navy SEALs laid down fire and eliminated numerous enemy personnel to support the withdrawal of wounded friendlies from the target area. Another Navy SEAL was wounded twice in the same leg. He continued to operate despite his wounds. Their actions were critical to the successful evacuation of the force. All three SEALs proved themselves to be an integral component of our unit throughout the deployment. Their flexibility in adapting to stressful and rapidly changing situations is a credit to their unit's interoperability with Task Force (TF) Ranger.

A Special Forces (SF) Master Sergeant (MSG) eliminated enemy personnel while skillfully driving a cargo HUMMV in support of the withdrawal. His actions contributed to saving the life of a Ranger who was seriously injured on the initial infiltration. The MSG could be described as the "Al Unser" of Mogadishu – his vehicle took numerous rounds but he continued. Two members of the convoy were critically wounded – one, who was later killed – distinguished himself by maintaining security during the movement despite receiving heavy fire.

Two SF soldiers attached to TF Ranger were instrumental in maintaining control of the south crash site. Their coolness under pressure set the example for the 10th Mountain Division personnel that were assisting in securing the crash site. They were under continuous fire from 7.62, 12.7 and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire for at least five hours. Their actions were critical to mission completion and the survival of the 10th Mountain troops. The two SF soldiers' selfless actions of laying down a base of fire during the withdrawal prevented additional casualties.

A SF soldier attached to TF Ranger volunteered to conduct a low-level resupply via Blackhawk in an area where two other helicopters had already been shot down. Despite heavy small arms and RPG fire, he ensured that the personnel of the north crash site were resupplied with desperately needed ammunition, water and IV's. He received injuries from shrapnel to the face and shoulders while pushing supplies from the aircraft. He ignored his wounds in order to ensure mission accomplishment.

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