Operation: Gothic Serpent pt. 5
Situation:
Black Hawk Super 61 has been shot down in Mogadishu, following the assault and capture of 3 of Aidid’s lieutenants. Somalis are advancing on the crash site. Ground forces and the CSAR team have been deployed, but they won’t make it in time unless the crashed bird can defend itself. The pilots were killed, and SFC Smith dislocated his shoulder. SSG Daniel Busch, a Delta sniper, armed with his SAW and .45, climbs out of the wreakage to defend the crash site. The Somalis are closing in.
Operators: 1 SSG Daniel Busch (Support, armed with M249 SPW and 1911)
Size: Medium
Difficulty: Hard
Background:
October 3, 1993
As part of UNOSOM II, the United States sent military forces to protect humanitarian efforts in Somalia. Mohamed Farrah Aidid was the warlord of the Habr Gidr clan, which had opposed UN peacekeeping efforts. Task Force Ranger was deployed in August with the goal of finding or killing Aidid. This raid was intended to capture 2 of Aidid’s top lieutenants. Delta would ride in on the MH-6s, and assault the target building, while 4 Ranger chalks would create a perimeter. The Somalis had noticed the preparations of the Americans, and the city had mobilized to fight. The subsequent downing of 2 Black Hawk helicopters resulted in a drawn out engagement, instead of a quick snatch and grab.
SSG Busch was mortally wounded defending the crew of Super 61, and received the Silver Star for his actions.
