Page 103 - JSOM Fall 2023

Black Hawk Down

A Story of Modern War

Mark Bowden. Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern Warfare. 1999. 400 pp. ISBN: 978-1-5558-4604-6 (EB)
Review by Scott P. Graverson, PhD

s we approach the 30th anniversary of the Battle of often emerges not from grand gestures but from small acts of
Mogadishu, we review Mark Bowden’s “Black Hawk selflessness and determination. It also introduces us to MSG
ADown,” a compelling narrative that vividly captures the Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughard of the 1st Special
harrowing events of October 3, 1993. That day, a U.S. Mili- Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. These brave men vol-
tary mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, went terribly wrong. This unteered to enter the battle, knowing the overwhelming odds
book delves into the gripping account of the Battle of Moga- against them. Both Operators died defending the pilot, CWO
dishu, illuminating the events of that day, what went wrong, Mike Durant; both were posthumously awarded the Medal of
why it went wrong, and the lessons that needed to be learned. Honor for their heroism.
“Black Hawk Down” is set in the chaotic backdrop of post- The book also tells the story of Air Force Pararescueman Tim-
Cold War Somalia, where famine, warlords, and a volatile othy Wilkinson. Along with Sgt Scott Fales and SSgt Jeffrey
political situation had turned the nation into a lawless and Bray, TSgt Wilkinson fast-roped to the Super 61 crash site,
dangerous territory. Against this backdrop, the where they found the pilots dead and the two
United States embarked on a humanitarian mission crew chiefs critically wounded. Wilkinson and his
named Operation Restore Hope to provide aid and team moved the wounded men to a nearby col-
stability. However, a straightforward operation to lection point, where they built a makeshift shelter
capture a Somali warlord quickly escalated into a using kevlar armor plates salvaged from Super
deadly firefight that lasted for hours. 61’s wreckage. For his actions, President Clinton
awarded TSgt Wilkinson the Air Force Cross, the
Bowden’s narrative is an immersive journey that second highest medal behind only the Medal of
transports readers into the heart of the battle.
The book skillfully weaves together the stories of Honor.
Soldiers from the elite Delta Force, the U.S. Army Then-Combat Medic SFC Bob Mabry was with the
Rangers, and U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen, giving Pararescue team, providing medical attention to
the reader a sense of the chaos, fear, and camarade- the wounded. Mabry was awarded the Silver Star
rie that defined the Battle of Mogadishu. for his actions that day, but more importantly, he
was inspired to pursue a medical degree and com-
The author’s meticulous research and extensive interviews
with the participants allow him to reconstruct the events with plete his training as a trauma surgeon. Dr. (COL, Ret.) Mabry
was instrumental in developing the Combat Application Tour-
remarkable detail and authenticity. Bowden presents the events
in a chronological fashion, providing readers with a clear un- niquet and was a founding member of and advocate for the
Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care.
derstanding of how the mission unfolded and ultimately went
awry. His crisp and engaging writing makes it difficult to put While “Black Hawk Down” is a compelling and well-
the book down. researched narrative, it does have some weaknesses. Some
readers may find the sheer volume of characters and military
One of the book’s strengths is its vivid portrayal of the Soldiers terminology overwhelming, making it challenging to keep
involved in the mission. Bowden humanizes these individuals,
allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level. track of who’s who and understand the intricacies of the mis-
sion. However, Bowden provides a helpful cast of characters at
Bowden also delves into the psyche of these Soldiers, explor-
ing their motivations, fears, and the bonds that develop under the beginning of the book, which can aid in keeping track of
the numerous Soldiers involved.
extreme circumstances. This human element adds depth to the
narrative, making the book not just a chronicle of events but a “Black Hawk Down” profoundly impacted readers and the
study of the human spirit in the face of adversity. military community. It became required reading at U.S. Mili-
tary academies, where Cadets studied the text for its insights
The author also delves into complex themes such as the nature into urban warfare and leadership under fire. The book also
of warfare, the role of the military in humanitarian missions,
and the consequences of political decisions. Bowden does not inspired a successful film adaptation directed by Ridley Scott,
bringing the story to an even wider audience.
shy away from exploring the political and strategic aspects
of the mission, highlighting how decisions made at the high- Beyond its military significance, “Black Hawk Down” is a
est levels of government can have dire consequences on the powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform
ground. and the inherent risks of military operations. It honors the
memory of the 18 U.S. Soldiers who lost their lives in the battle
Amid the chaos and danger, ordinary men display extraordi-
nary courage, risking their lives to save their comrades. This and the countless others who were wounded.
book offers a nuanced portrayal of heroism, showing that it

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