This map is a reproduction of one created for leaders after Somalia. QRF Platoon Sergeant Mike Shuford made this version using his map as a reference. He took great effort ensuring the accuracy of this map to actual events.
During the battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 3-4 October 1993, a rifle platoon was separated from the main body of the company, ambushed, and pinned down. The platoon was 2d Platoon, Company A, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. This is the story of the "lost platoon" as it worked to break out of an encirclement and link up with friendly units.
In late July 1993, the 2nd Battalion 14th Infantry Task Force, 10th Mountain Division, departed Fort Drum for Mogadishu. They were to become the ground element of the 10th Mountain Division Brigade serving as the Quick Reaction Force for the United Nations command in Somalia.
They were the only U.S. maneuver element in country. Over a seventeen hour period on 3 and 4 October, TF 2-14 Infantry--fighting its way from the Mogadishu airfield to downtown--extracted ground elements of Task Force Ranger following the downing of two Task Force Ranger helicopters during an operation that had begun midday on Sunday the 3rd. This battle was marked by fierce fighting.
This is the story of a battalion commander leading his soldiers in combat. LTC David describes how he built on the basic Army training and doctrine formula and added particular emphasis in core areas to develop a winning team.
Street map of the city of Mogadishu, Somalia. This is the first map of two for 1993.
Map of the city of Mogadishu, Somalia in 1992 at the time the US forces arrived in the country.
