Editor’s note: This piece from George Hand’s private photo collection first appeared on the site on 9 OCT 17.  The images are back by popular demand, as is George, who will be writing more for us shortly; more to follow!-GDM

SOFREP’s own George E. Hand IV has collected some incredible photographs throughout his legendary career as a Green Beret and Delta Operator, and he’s been generous enough to share some of them with us.

This shot shows a Delta team in the Pakastini Stadium in Mogadishu just after completing the “Mogadishu Mile,” in which Rangers and Delta operators were forced to leave a helicopter crash site and make it to the appointed rally point for the 10th Mountain Division during the Battle of Mogadishu on foot, after a long and grueling firefight.  Throughout the run, Delta and the Rangers were engaged by small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.  Several soldiers were wounded during the run, and nearly all were suffering from severe exhaustion and dehydration.

The events of that day, and those preceding it, would ultimately be depicted in the film “Black Hawk Down.”

 

** Image courtesy of George E. Hand IV