The Mogadishu Mile

🏁 The Mogadishu Mile

Date: 2025-10-04

Location: Lock Haven VFW, Lock Haven, PA

Details: Race Registration

📜 Historical Context

The Battle of Mogadishu was part of Operation Gothic Serpent fought on 3–4 October 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, between forces of the United States and the forces of the Somali National Alliance (SNA) of south Mogadishu. The battle was part of the broader Somali Civil War that had begun 1991.

📅 Operation Overview

• Date of Operation: 3 October 1993
• Commander: MG William Garrison
• Initial Goal: Seize two of Aidid’s high-ranking lieutenants
• Duration: Intended to last one hour but extended overnight

🚁 Key Events

While the goal of the operation was achieved, it spiraled into the deadly Battle of Mogadishu. As the operation was ongoing, Somali forces shot down three American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters using RPG-7s, with two crashing deep in hostile territory. A desperate defense of the two downed helicopters began and fighting lasted through the night to defend the survivors of the crashes.

🚓 Rescue Efforts

In the morning, a UNOSOM II armored convoy fought their way to the besieged defenders and withdrew. Due to limited space in the armored vehicles, several of the soldiers, those who were still able to move on their own, had to move by foot with full combat gear to the safety of friendly areas.

👥 Casualties

• American Casualties: 18 dead, 73 wounded
• Estimates of Somali Casualties: Between 315 and 2,000

🎖️ Commemoration

This event commemorates the sacrifice, dedication, and fortitude of the service members who bravely fought and died so others, in a foreign country, could live. It is a 4+ mile race.