SOFX
  • Home
  • News
    • Special Interest
    • Special Operations
    • Industry
    • Empowerment
  • Recruiting
  • Partners
  • Shop
    • Merchandise
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Events
    • Editorial Policy
    • Privacy Policy
No Result
View All Result
Subscribe
SOFX
No Result
View All Result
Home Special Operations

Gary Harrell: Legendary Delta Force Leader & His Legacy

Gary Harrell was a former U.S. Army Delta Force operator and leader who gained legendary status in the special operations community

  • Editor Staff
  • February 17, 2023
  • 7:40 pm
  • No Comments
Gary Harrell
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Gary Harrell was a former U.S. Army Delta Force operator and leader who gained legendary status in the special operations community for his impressive and courageous leadership during high-risk missions in some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world.

Born on June 1951, in the state of Tennessee, Harrell earned his commission as an Infantry officer through East Tennessee State University’s Army ROTC program and joined the 82nd Airborne Division before joining the 7th Special Forces Group in 1977.

Over the next two decades, Harrell played a key role in some of the most high-profile and critical missions of Delta Force, including the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. The battle, which was depicted in the book and movie “Black Hawk Down,” involved U.S. troops attempting to capture a Somali warlord, but the mission quickly turned into a deadly firefight that lasted for over 15 hours. Harrell, who was one of the Delta Force team leaders on the ground, was credited with saving the lives of several wounded soldiers and for his strategic and tactical leadership under intense enemy fire. Another one of Major General Harrell’s most notable deployments was in Colombia, where he led forces against the ruthless drug lord and terrorist Pablo Escobar.

Throughout his career, Harrell was known for his quiet professionalism, selfless dedication, and unwavering commitment to mission success. He was also known for his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure and for his exceptional skills as a shooter and a tactical leader.

After retiring from the military in 2008, Harrell went on to work as a security consultant and an advisor to government and private organizations. He also co-founded the Harrell Group, a company that provides leadership and training services to businesses and organizations.

The world mourns the loss of a true hero. 

The Major General passed away on Tuesday, February 14th, after an extended illness. Major General Harrell’s life was one of service to our country. As a result, he undoubtedly saved hundreds, if not thousands, of people during his lifetime. As a leader, mentor, and public servant, he left a positive impact on tens of thousands more.

Major General Harrell received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal (with V-device and two Oak Leaf Clusters), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters). He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Master Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the SCUBA Diver Badge, the Special Forces Tab, and the Ranger Tab.

Major General Harrell was a member of the ETSU ROTC Hall of Fame and the ROTC National Hall of Fame. He was also a recipient of the ETSU Distinguished Alumni in the Armed Forces Award and an inductee in the ETSU College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame. He served on the ETSU Alumni Board and, in 2021, received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the ETSU National Alumni Association.

Major General Harrell leaves behind his wife and lifelong companion, Jennifer Counts, along with their two daughters, one son, and six grandchildren. 

Tags: Armydelta forceSOFX OriginalSpecial OperationsStaff Picks
Editor Staff

Editor Staff

ADVERTISEMENT

Related News

SOFX Debrief: This Week’s Government Contracts

SOFX Debrief: This Week’s Government Contracts

by Noah Schmidt
November 29, 2023
0

Welcome to this week's comprehensive Government Contract Debrief by SOFX. Tailored for the inquisitive minds, business development strategists, and those...

Security Flaws Uncovered in Custom ChatGPTs

Security Flaws Uncovered in Custom ChatGPTs

by Noah Schmidt
November 29, 2023
0

OpenAI's custom ChatGPTs, popular for their personalized AI experiences, are facing security concerns as researchers have discovered methods to extract...

Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Pre-trial Detention in Russia Extended into 2024

Wall Street Journal Reporter Evan Gershkovich’s Pre-trial Detention in Russia Extended into 2024

by Noah Schmidt
November 29, 2023
0

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has faced a significant setback as his pre-trial detention in Russia has been...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Trending News

A Marine student undergoing the 2nd Marine Division Combat Skills Center’s Pre-Scout Sniper Course prepares to move during a stalking exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 22, 2016. The exercise required students to traverse approximately 1,000 meters of high grass and fire on a target, all without being detected. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul S. Martinez/Released)

Final Class Marks the End of Marine Scout Sniper Era

November 23, 2023
A military personnel officer asks Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen a question at the annual Army National Guard G1 Military Personnel Office workshop in Orlando, Florida, May 2 to May 4, 2023. The 2023 conference marked the first time the group has met in-person since before the COVID-19 pandemic began three years ago.

Debate Emerges Over Allowing Enlisted Service Members to Become Officers in the Military

November 29, 2023
With My Shield: The Experience of an Army Ranger in Somalia, gives exclusive perspective into one of America’s deadliest battles since Vietnam

With My Shield: The Experience of an Army Ranger in Somalia, gives exclusive perspective into one of America’s deadliest battles since Vietnam

November 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Next Post
Helicopter landing with US Troops

Four US troops were wounded in a helicopter raid that killed a senior ISIS leader

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia

997 Morrison Dr. Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403

News

  • Special Operations
  • Special Interest
  • Industry
  • Empowerment
  • Special Operations
  • Special Interest
  • Industry
  • Empowerment

Services

  • Partners
  • SOFX Black
  • Recruiting
  • Partners
  • SOFX Black
  • Recruiting

Resources

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Special Interest
    • Special Operations
    • Industry
    • Empowerment
  • Recruiting
  • Partners
  • Shop
    • Merchandise
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Events
    • Editorial Policy
    • Privacy Policy
Subscribe
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.