On October 3, 1993
The United States sent the 75th infantry US Rangers into Mogadishu, Somalia. The mission was to capture the leaders of some of the warring factions that had for years murdered innocent women and children of Somalia.
After the mission was underway they found out that the rangers sent in were out numbered and they found themselves in big trouble and then a Blackhawk Helicopter was shot down in the middle of town. The pilot of the helicopter was badly injured and trapped inside the aircraft.
Sfc. Shughart and Msg. Gordon assigned to Delta Force were in a helicopter above and witnessed the crash. Knowing the pilot was in grave danger they asked to be dropped to the ground and help the pilot. They were refused but requested it three time and finally the Command gave permission to help...They knew it was almost a certain death situation but they had to help free the pilot.
They both repelled down ropes from the helicopter under intense enemy fire and once on the ground they fought their way to the crash site and pulled the pilot to safety as they fought off hundreds of enemy.
They fully knew they were never going to make it out alive.
They expended all their ammunition and sadly were killed.
The pilot that they pulled from the crash survived.
"SFC. Randall Shughart and MSG. Gary Gordon were both awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for their bravery... our Country's Highest Award.
They were Proud Men and lived by such things as Duty, Honor and Courage.
They also loved this Country very much... Enough to pay the ultimate price.
They are both truly American Heroes"
