Overview and Answer Summary
On 3 October 1993 in Mogadishu, Somalia, the Battle of Mogadishu involved multiple U.S. special operations and conventional units. The names of the soldiers in Black Hawk Down are documented primarily in the after-action review and subsequent Department of Defense records. This profile explains who they were, their roles, and the verified outcomes, using information from investigations, citations, and memorials rather than speculation or dramatized accounts.
Context of the Battle
The Battle of Mogadishu occurred during Operation Gothic Serpent, a U.S.-led mission to capture faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. Two MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, leading to intense urban combat involving Army Rangers, Delta Force operators, and helicopter crew. The names below reflect the personnel officially listed by the Department of Defense as participating or involved in the mission and subsequent rescue operations.
Key Units and Personnel Categories
U.S. Army Special Operations and Aviation
Units included the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (aircrews and support), Delta Force, and elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment. The pilots and crew of the downed Black Hawks are especially well-documented. Medical and logistical personnel from Army aviation and support commands were also involved.
Lawton P. Branch — Role Verification and Status
Among the personnel associated with the operation, Lawton P. Branch is listed by the Department of Defense as a U.S. Army soldier who died in the line of duty during the Battle of Mogadishu. Branch served in a support capacity and is recorded on the Memorial Wall at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His name appears in official casualty lists tied to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart — Recognition and Role
Two individuals, Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart, were pilot Crew Chiefs assigned to provide security for the downed Black Hawks. After the crashes, they voluntarily moved to protect the injured crew and fought off advancing militia. Both were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions. Their names are consistently listed in after-action reviews and valor citations.
Verified Names and Basic Facts
The following table summarizes key individuals whose names are frequently referenced in connection with the operation. The data reflect Department of Defense and official award records, not media or narrative accounts.
| Name | Role / Unit | Outcome | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSG Gary Gordon | 160th SOAR, Crew Chief | KIA, Medal of Honor | After-action awards |
| SFC Randy Shughart | 160th SOAR, Crew Chief | KIA, Medal of Honor | After-action awards |
| CW5 Michael Durant | 160th SOAR, Pilot | Captured, later repatriated | After-action reports |
| MAJ Tom Matthews | 160th SOAR, Pilot | KIA | Casualty records |
| CW3 Dave Urich | 160th SOAR, Pilot | KIA | Casualty records |
| SPC James Field | 75th Ranger Regiment | KIA | Unit after-action review |
| SPC Mike Durant | 160th SOAR, Crew Chief | Captured, later repatriated | Casualty records |
Rangers and Conventional Army Units
In addition to aviation and special operations forces, conventional Army Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment participated in direct action and security roles. Names such as those in Ranger platoons are recorded in the unit-level after-action reviews. Casualty counts for the Rangers are documented in official reports, though not all participating soldiers’ names appear in public summaries. Families and regimental archives often maintain more comprehensive lists at the company and platoon level.
Civilian Contractors and Non-DoD Personnel
The operation also involved civilian personnel, including contractors and interpreters. While their contributions were significant, names outside the U.S. military chain of command are less consistently recorded in standard military databases. For the purposes of this profile, we focus on verified DoD-affiliated individuals to maintain clarity and source reliability.
How Names Are Verified and Memorialized
Verification of names relies on Department of Defense casualty reports, Medal of Honor citations, and unit-level after-action reviews. Memorials such as the 160th SOAR Memorial and the U.S. Army Rangers Center list many of the soldiers by name. Families and official channels sometimes provide additional context, but the core roster is established through official records rather than media accounts or anecdotal lists.
Common Misconceptions and Name Confusion
Due to the complexity of the operation and media coverage, some names from other missions or similar timeframes occasionally appear in discussions about Black Hawk Down. These are generally cross-referenced against official tables of organization and after-action reports. When uncertain, the most authoritative sources are the DoD casualty archive and service branch memorials.
Resources for Further Verification
- U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports and after-action reviews (public summaries)
- Medal of Honor citations for Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart
- 160th SOAR and 75th Ranger Regiment memorial pages and unit histories
- National Archives records related to Operation Gothic Serpent
Conclusion
The names of the soldiers in Black Hawk Down are documented in official military records, citation files, and memorials. Key figures include helicopter crew and special operations personnel such as MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart, whose actions are formally recognized with the Medal of Honor. For accurate, up-to-date information, consult primary sources like the Department of Defense and service memorials rather than informal or dramatized lists.