Three Veterans Recall the Battle of Mogadishu

Col. (ret) Larry Perino, Col. (ret) Lee VanArsdale, and Master Sgt. (ret) Kyle Lamb, all participants in Operation Gothic Serpent, reflect on the events that took place twenty-five years ago during the Battle of Mogadishu in an event organized by the Modern War Institute at West Point.

[timmorey]

I have had to adjust my way of thinking about this whole issue. My son CWO 2 who lost his life and can not speak in his behalf would have Married and gave his Mom and myself some Grand children. He was our only child but he had a mind of his own and will of his own. We miss you Charlie.

[kathyborthwickLakotaEmoji]

May Creator Bless the Malaysians, the only UN force to answer the call!

[therealworld]

“Those who celebrate war never participated in it. Those who have participated in war never celebrate it”.

[firhatarzan]

Thanks to the Royal Malaysia Regiment ( Mechanised ) as QRF in Somalia then, who put their troopers life on the line to saves the very life of stranded American Rangers n Special Forces n bring most of them out safely. Rest in peace Lance Corporal Aznan Mat Awang, the trooper driver of Malaysian Condor that sacrifice his life to ensured the survival of his Malaysian troopers n US personnels in his APC.
Malaysian APC stayed for hours to ensured every surviving members of Malaysian n US personnels are brought out either dead or alive for nobody will be left behind.
The truth should not be repressed or erased for the convenient of others.

[deltahunter]

In memory of Lcpl Mat Aznan Awang (later Corporal, posthumous) MALBATT(Malaysian Battalion) died in Bakaraa Market, Mogadishu on the 4th October 1993 during rescue operation. Btw, the apc is German not Russian made.

[Mrgunsngear]

Great discussion. Cameo by BG Steve Gilland as well ---- great leader and one of the best commanders I served under 🇺🇸

[kubangkerian]

you’ll can’t denied the malaysian army soldier how brave theyre to help this mission until the end

[a.sanibasiran]

Endless brotherhood US&Malaysia army never die....
RIP to all heroes..
I am (R) SGT of second malbatt.

[marcoszapata]

Eventhough Msia n Pakistan were muslim, they hold the principle of no left behind in the spirit of army corps.They willing to die to save their friend from US army and ya..as i know 1 Msia army died in Rpg attack at their APC.Pay condolesence to all fallen warrior..

[melisawill]

Most American don't acknowledge Malaysia Battalion was the ones who rescue these guys and if not because the courage and sense of comradery, these veterans won't have the chance to sit there today... As much as I like Blackhawk Down movie, I feel sad and betrayed that there is no Malaysian actors at least invited to act and to portrayed those Malaysia soldiers who drove those 4 armoured vehicle into the city and being rained with mortar, RPG and machine guns to the rescue.... Now only after 25 years? Just wow....

[zootedsuit]

The fact that these guys made it out to tell their story is beyond incredible.

[danf]

I cannot believe it's been over 25 years... wow.

[rickb]

This was an incredibly clear and valuable illustration of the spectrum of perspectives on combat leadership. This seems to be a perfect panel of speakers for training officer cadets. There is Col. VanArsdale with the view from the TOC and the Commander's intent. There is Sarn't Lamb, the professional NCO who gets things done....always....And then there's LT Perino, who is YOU, young Lieutenant, who must communicate and lead while your mission shifts focus and all goes to hell in a handbasket. It is so important that our future leaders have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of these fine men.

I was over there myself, from October '93 to March '94 with 2-22INF 10th good to hear from these old soldiers.

[azmanmdsalleh]

It was Pakistan army who turned back during rescue mission, while Malaysian army apc behind, continued and took the hits with one KIA..

[robertgonzalez]

I remember being on the side of the airfield in the middle the night when Michael Durant finally made it back home. My father is a Nightstalker for life.

[yazzin]

MALBAT (RAMD) always stay low and silence but deadly... :)

[RS-jhkl]

Kyle Lamb is funny. That humor is very effective in stressful situations. Great talk, thank you for posting.

[TJS-mblt]

Incredible interview. Absolute heroes. You men make me proud to be an American.

[storiesUp]

Kyle Lamb is one sharp man. [as they all are].

[stevecanyon]

“The Mission is way bigger than you are.” EXACTLY! This is probably why I miss it more than anything. Have not found this in my civilian life. Yet