FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, gathered at sunrise Tuesday to pay tribute to veterans and fallen warriors of a battle fought 24 years ago.
The Mogadishu Mile is an annual battalion run that commemorates the role that Soldiers from 2-14 Infantry and 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, served in the Battle of Mogadishu during Operation Restore Hope in Somalia.
As a quick reaction force to aid in the rescue of downed aircraft personnel, Soldiers encountered heavy enemy fire and sustained numerous casualties during several hours of firefights on Oct. 3, 1993.
"With little notice, the Golden Dragons showed that they were skilled at their trade and had the physical and mental toughness, just like our Dragons today, to accomplish their task in the cauldron of urban ground combat," said Lt. Col. Jeremy Gwinn, 2-14 Infantry commander. "What would follow was nine hours of intense fighting in which several hundred Somalis were killed. As things went from bad to worse, the Golden Dragons fought their way to the isolated force and brought out the casualties through continuous and intense enemy fire."
The battle they fought that day became the longest sustained firefight by U.S. forces since the Vietnam War. The 2-14 Infantry had 29 Soldiers wounded and one killed. When the force began its exfiltration, some Soldiers had to move through the city on foot because the vehicles were filled with the casualties. This became known as the Mogadishu Mile.
"The events of Oct. 3rd helped shape our Army's identity and the way we train by providing a first harsh glimpse at the new character of warfare, which we would see again," Gwinn said. "The battle resulted in the loss of 18 Americans with (more than) 77 wounded."
The Mogadishu Mile serves to reinforce unit history, especially among the newest members, as they recognize the sacrifices of their comrades and build esprit de corps. Running in full body armor with rifles, the Soldiers were joined by a group of veterans from that battle and a few Family Members.
After the run, Gwinn and Command Sgt. Maj. Juan Pena, battalion senior enlisted adviser, placed a wreath at the foot of the 2-14 Infantry memorial.
The memorial stands behind the building named in honor of Pfc. James H. Martin Jr., who was killed in action on Oct. 4, 1993, as he provided cover fire to medics.
Mark Smithmier, a former 2-14 Infantry Soldier, said that participating in the event is an emotional experience.
"It's just great to see this tradition is carrying on and that people are taking what we did seriously," he said. "Just keeping our memories alive and keeping alive the memories of Pvt. Martin. Me and Jimmy were best friends from basic training."
Smithmier said that he still feels connected to his Golden Dragons, despite the passage of time. Unit pride is evident by the tattoos on his legs and the memories he shares with others.
"Being here today, this is like my home," he said. "It's like 20 years just disappeared, and we're all still great friends and brothers. It feels like we've never left."
Social Sharing