Specialist Arthur Houston heroically rescued Private First Class Gerard Guitterez during a firefight in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. Despite intense enemy fire and being under great personal risk, Houston’s bravery and quick actions under pressure were later recognized when he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal with a “V” for valor. However, the wider actions of 3rd Platoon remained largely unrecognized for decades, overshadowed by the popular “Black Hawk Down” narrative, until a 30th-anniversary reunion and a tribute by a fellow soldier highlighted their valiant efforts.
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Key Points:Â
- During the intense Battle of Mogadishu, Spc. Arthur Houston rescued Pfc. Gerard Guitterez from a hail of enemy fire, an act of bravery for which Houston was later awarded.
- Despite their significant contributions, the men of 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, did not receive the same level of recognition as others involved in the conflict and were not included in the popular retellings of the battle.
- The Army upgraded 60 medals for soldiers who fought in the Battle of Mogadishu in 2021 following a review, yet 3rd Platoon’s actions remained largely overlooked until the 30th anniversary of the battle.
- Retired Army Special Forces medic Ed Ricord honored his unit by creating a tribute motorcycle and collecting signatures from the unit, which he presented during a reunion in 2023.
- It wasn’t until the 30th anniversary of the battle that approximately two dozen members of 3rd Platoon were formally recognized for their service during a battalion reunion.
