This is about a Sergeant First Class (SFC) – Special Forces (SF) qualified soldier who was assigned as a communicator for Task Force (TF) Ranger in Mogadishu. On 3 October 1993, the SFC was standing his regular radio watch.

In the afternoon, a surgical operation in downtown Mogadishu evolved into a major urban battle. Ninety-nine TF Ranger forces were pinned down in a firefight, and the HMMWV-mounted rescue force could not get to the site. The use of Malaysian mechanized and Pakistani armor forces was then approved.

With no prior notice, the SFC was assigned to man a perimeter guard post and then to serve as RTO to the TF Ranger SEAL Commander who would accompany the multinational rescue force. The specific duties were unclear, but he did not question the importance of his role. He was ready to go in five minutes.

Radio checks at the staging area indicated that he could communicate with the force that was pinned down in the city, but communications with headquarters (HQ) were intermittent. Because the key requirement was to get the Malaysians to the firefight and he had good communications with the forward element, he pressed on with what he had. He was stationed in the open back of a HMMWV for the transit to the objective area – exposed to enemy fire.

Small arms fire was received enroute to the objective and the radioman next to the SFC was hit in the arm and pushed back into him – the wound was minor. Upon reaching a key intersection, the incoming fire was intensified beyond that previously taken. At this point, the SFC dismounted in order to provide covering fire while the roadblock was manually removed - and to stay close to the SEAL Commander who was moving from vehicle to vehicle in order to get the APCs rolling towards the objective. There was no cover or concealment in the street and there were many times that the SFC and the SEAL Commander were the two most vulnerable to enemy fire. The situation demanded several periods where they could not move – when they had to literally pound their fists on the metal sides of the APCs and verbally encourage the Malaysian forces to move forward.

The SFC and SEAL Commander continued movement on foot to the objective – leading the Malaysian APCs by example – they spent a majority of the time in the middle of the roadway. When not in the street, they patrolled with the infantry along the buildings. Enemy fire was intense throughout, but the SFC never – not even for an instance – lost his focus on the mission. He continuously covered the SEAL Commander and maintained communications with the forward elements.

When it appeared that the APCs were moving ahead to the objective area, the SFC and SEAL Commander began to move rapidly to that site. They found a medic and took him with them to treat the wounded in action (WIA). They quickly closed with the lead infantry squad and then continued into the perimeter of the pinned down forces. Several hours passed while other elements of the force cut a killed in action (KIA) from the helicopter wreckage. Sporadic rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and small arms fire continued.

When the pilot's body was recovered and the force was ready to move out the available APCs were loaded with the dead and wounded. This required the exfiltration of the rescue force by foot. During the daylight run-and-gun – now known as the "Mogadishu Mile" – the SFC stayed with the SEAL Commander, providing mutual covering fire at every intersection and alleyway. Incoming fire was received throughout the movement. Ultimately, the SFC was piled into a HMMWV with the SEAL Commander sitting on top of him. Enroute, he pointed out targets and threat areas to the Commander because he could not safely use his own weapon.

This story indicates the level of courage and dedication that was typical of the force that night. The SFC, a staff radioman who did not expect to be called into combat, performed superbly under fire – his efforts contributed significantly to the rescue and return of many U.S. soldiers from that intense urban battlefield.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page