Operation: Gothic Serpent pt. 7
Situation:
Follwing the crash of Super 61, Super 64, piloted by Michael Durant, crashed into the slums in Bakara Market. The CSAR team has already been deployed, and the ground convoy won’t make it in time, because the helicopters can’t hold off the mob forever. MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shugart, along with their 3rd sniper team member, requested to be inserted. On their 3rd request, they received the go ahead to go down, although the 3rd team member stayed behind to man one of the helicopter’s miniguns. Gordon and Shugart must now defend the crash site until help arrives.
Operators: 2 (Gary Gordon, M4 Carbine, M68, M855) (Randy Shugart, M14 EBR, Dual Role Optic)
Difficulty: Extreme
Size: Medium
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.
MSG Gordon and SFC Shugart were KIA Oct. 3, 1993. They received the Medal of Honor for their actions.
