The True Story Behind 'Black Hawk Down'

“For the first time in my career, we were on the defense. That shook me.” Brad Halling, retired Army Special Operations.

This is the inside story of survival from the infamous Battle of Mogadishu, Operation Gothic Serpent, which inspired the movie “Black Hawk Down,” as told by an operator who was on the front line.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Brad Halling recounts the fight and resulting rescue mission that’s been etched into US Army special operations history.

“If they shoot enough rockets, they’re going to shoot a helicopter down.”

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[TheMichaelStott]

Aussie Vet here. I can understand you would have quite a lot of Vets in the comments section who joined during 9/11 but for me, watching the aftermath of the Battle of Mogadishu on the news was my "Wake up and choose" moment. I was 17 at the time and my cousins had deployed to Somalia with Australia's contingent of Peace Keepers. My enlistment date was 4th of October 1994. Although my deployments were to places like Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan my decision to serve in the ADF was born through what these men went through.

[gregorystell]

Glad to see that no one's forgotten and the stories are still being told

[justinford]

As a former Army Medic I'm quite surprised that the medical unit wasn't recognized with citations. That medical team helped pave the way for saving countless lives during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Much of what I and other medical specialties learned was a result of the lessons from this battle.

[HannibalACP]

This was so well done. Couldn't hold back the tears once Halling met with the Doc.

[nelsoncharlesif]

Thank you Malaysian 🇲🇾 your country deserved the recognition even though the media downplayed your involvement on the retaliation and rescue operation.

[dusty]

Thank you for your service, my girlfriend is a ER doctor, she served with the 274th forward surgical team. I remember the picture on the cover of Time magazine when this happened. God bless everyone that served.

[nicka]

I am unbelievably honored to have met Dr. John Uhorchak. He told the same story when he was honored in his hometowns Wall of Fame. I got chills when he popped up on screen. I heard him tell this story 10 years ago when I was 16, and I remember it like it was yesterday. To be able to hear it again and to be able to put a face to a least one person in his story is utterly amazing. Thank you both for your service.

[kadendose]

My dad served in the battle of Mogadishu, very brutal fight. Glad he made it out

[frixxdarkhorse]

May God bless all of those heroes from Malaysian Battalion a.k.a MALBATT who sacrifice their life to save those Mountain Division, Delta Force and Rangers who involved in Battle of Mogadishu..they are unsung heroes in recovering those who injured and killed on that day..just using their APC and without support from Pakistani army's tank who fled away before entering Bakara Market..greatest gratitude for the Malaysian Army🤝👏🏻

[noway]

I was a Canadian soldier there Feb 5 until July 8. I was a commander of one of the white 8 wheeled armoured vehicles that would cruise around Mogadishu. Thank you for your service.

[CiviTac]

This is one of my favorite quotes from a hero Ive ever heard. “I’ll be outside.” Knows he’s gonna die but he will stay as long as he can. No quit. All resolve. Makes a grown man cry

[-RONNIE]

I'm sure many people has seen the movie but if not thank you both for sharing this story with everyone that didn't. Others take what we do for granted but any man or woman that has ever worn the uniform will never because we know and we'll help each other out 👊🏻🇺🇸

[Gearparadummies]

Brad Halling has been sharing stories about what went down for weeks. I'm very glad you featured him at BRCC. You guys are awesome!

[richardjohnstone]

Brad HALLING is a fucking savage. Along with the rest of those brave men. Thanks for your service.

[darthjaegr]

Seeing such brave and strong men that put others above themselves break down with emotion and tears just pulls on my heart. These men and women put everything before themselves at times and have the burdens that most of us can never comprehend how they deal with it (some don't unfortunately). Thanks BRCC for sharing this story and showing the human side of what our service men and women have to go through day to day.

[randywalker]

Because of Brads running for those who can’t, he got me into running years ago. His impact reaches far and wide. Thank you Brad. Hope to see you on cleared hot and Shawn Ryan.

[andrewfaye]

Please do more of these stories. Hunt down others and get them to tell their stories. No matter how dark it gets. Not just for documentary purposes but for us. I desperately needed to be reminded why I served. The moment he said “doc don’t worry about me” I was remind why I kept going back. Civilians world is colder than any war zone. It can grind our recollection and lead one to question beliefs. Well told, well edited and a reminder that our service was for a reason. Thank you and I really appreciate the moment you gave me.

[mauryballstein]

Man the detail he goes into. Such a heavy day. Rest in peace to all those brave men that died that day. The man you have to be to be severely injured and tell the doctor to worry about your friend because he is hurt worse. Man what a guy. Most guys would say they would say something like that given that situation but there are very few people on earth like these guys. Great video.

[Hollerboy]

It’s truly amazing how strong these guys was and are. Thanks for y’all’s service it’s truly amazing the power u feel watching a story from men who have served in combat.

[nwunnoticewhatyounotice]

Thank you for letting Brad share part of his story, so more of the world can see what an exemplary human being he is, and has been, since the days our family was blessed to know his. <3