Military History

Operation Red Wings at 20: A Remembrance

BY Guy D. McCardle

Twenty years later, Operation Red Wings isn’t some sanitized tale of heroism—it’s a gut-punch reminder that war is messy, men are mortal, and sacrifice doesn’t come with a soundtrack.

Some of the men of Operation Red Wings: From left to right, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif; Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Daniel R. Healy, of Exeter, N.H.; Quartermaster 2nd Class James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell; Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Shane Patton, of Boulder City, Nev.; and Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, N.Y.

June 28, 2005, was supposed to be a routine day in the Hindu Kush. Well, as routine as any mission in that part of the world at that time could be. It would turn out to be a day we remember 20 years later. 

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Four Navy SEALs—Lt. Michael Murphy, Matthew Axelson, Danny Dietz, and Marcus Luttrell were sent to locate a Taliban-aligned warlord named Ahmad Shah. Instead, they walked into a buzzsaw. Compromised by goat herders, outnumbered, and outgunned, the mission spiraled into a bloodbath. Murphy made a satellite call for help while exposed to enemy fire—a move that earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor. Luttrell survived, barely, thanks to a local villager and the ancient code of Pashtunwali. Nineteen Americans died that day, including 16 aboard a Chinook helicopter shot down during the rescue attempt. 

That’s the Reader’s Digest extraordinarily condensed version of events. Chances are, if you are reading this, you are familiar with the story. The lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell, wrote a book about it, and that book was later made into a movie.

 

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The Lone Survivor and the Hollywood Machine

In 2013, Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor hit theaters, with Mark Wahlberg portraying Luttrell. The film was a visceral, slow-motion dive into chaos, but it took liberties with reality. Enemy numbers were inflated, timelines compressed, and dramatic flourishes added. The real Ahmad Shah was a local insurgent, not a high-level al-Qaeda operative. Luttrell never flat-lined on the helicopter. The film’s depiction of villagers fighting off the Taliban didn’t happen; in reality, they protected Luttrell through diplomacy and tradition. 

Matt Axelson
Navy SEAL Sniper Matthew Axelson

Twenty Years Later: Reflection and Reverence

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with family members of some of those lost during Red Wings. Most of that was off the record, but I did interview the widow of Navy SEAL Jacques Fontan for SOFREP. Her pain was still quite evident even 17 years after the loss of her husband, Jacques.

Jacques Fontan
Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Jacques Fontan. He died as part of a quick reaction force sent to rescue the reconnaissance team when his helicopter was shot down. Photo courtesy of Char Fontan Westfall.

Twenty years after Operation Red Wings, the sacrifice of the 19 Americans who lost their lives during the mission is remembered with deep respect across the U.S. military community and beyond. These 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Night Stalkers are honored as symbols of the courage and commitment that define U.S. Special Operations Forces. Every year, their legacy is celebrated through memorial events and tributes that serve as powerful reminders of their bravery and dedication.

Memorial Day 2025 was a particularly meaningful time of reflection, with communities and military organizations gathering to honor the fallen. These commemorations included ceremonies, dedications, and shared stories that continue to inspire both service members and civilians. Physical memorials—like plaques, statues, and named events—ensure that the memory of these heroes is never far from sight or mind.

Support for the families and communities affected by the loss remains strong. Events like the Danny Dietz Memorial Classic and the Matthew Axelson Foundation Golf Tournament bring together veterans, Gold Star families, and supporters to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost. These events also raise money to support grants and programs for special operators, first responders, and the families of the fallen—ensuring that their sacrifices continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Turbine 33

Several organizations, including the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Operation Red Wings Foundation, provide long-term support to the children and families of those who were lost. They offer scholarships, educational programs, and other vital resources to help these families thrive. Every graduation, every milestone achieved by the children of the fallen, becomes a living tribute to the legacy of service and sacrifice.

Stories of heroism from the mission—such as Lieutenant Michael Murphy’s courageous decision to call for help under enemy fire, an act that earned him the Medal of Honor—are retold through books, documentaries, films, and public events. Marcus Luttrell, the only survivor of the mission, along with the families of the fallen, continue to share these powerful stories. Their voices help keep the memory of their brothers alive and underscore the strength and unity of the Special Operations community.

Two decades later, the legacy of Operation Red Wings stands as a testament to the values of sacrifice, loyalty, and unwavering service. The nation remains committed to honoring these heroes and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.

The Final Word

Operation Red Wings was a mission marked by valor, tragedy, and yes, a few learning opportunities.  While Hollywood’s rendition brought the story to a wider audience, the true legacy lies in the lives lost and the lessons learned.

As we mark the 20th anniversary, we honor the courage of those who fought and the memory of those who didn’t return.

—

In memory of the 19 fallen heroes of Operation Red Wings. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

U.S. Navy SEALs 

Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29 – Patchogue, New York

Petty Officer Second Class Danny P. Dietz, 25 – Littleton, Colorado

Petty Officer Second Class Matthew G. Axelson, 29 – Cupertino, California

Petty Officer First Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30 – Midway, West Virginia

Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33 – San Diego, California

Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36 – Exeter, New Hampshire

Petty Officer Second Class James Suh, 28 – Deerfield Beach, Florida

Petty Officer First Class Jacques J. Fontan, 36 – New Orleans, Louisiana

Petty Officer Second Class Shane E. Patton, 22 – Boulder City, Nevada

Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey A. Lucas, 33 – Corbett, Oregon

Petty Officer First Class Michael McGreevy Jr., 30 – Portville, New York

U.S. Army Night Stalkers (160th SOAR) 

Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35 – Clarks Grove, Minnesota

Staff Sergeant Shamus O. Goare, 29 – Danville, Ohio

Sergeant Kip A. Jacoby, 21 – Pompano Beach, Florida

Sergeant First Class Michael L. Russell, 31 – Stafford, Virginia

Sergeant First Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33 – Shelbyville, Indiana

Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40 – Jacksonville, Florida

Master Sergeant James W. Ponder III, 36 – Franklin, Tennessee

Major Stephen C. Reich, 34 – Washington Depot, Connecticut

 

 

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