War Is Hell.
Peace Can Be Hell Too.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, Inc., A 501c3 Non-Profit, Is An Active Duty, Casualty Assistance, Recovery, Transition And Veterans Organization That Provides Financial Support, Beyond What The Government And Veterans Affairs Can Offer, To U.S. Army Rangers And The Families Of Those Who Have Died, Have Been Disabled Or Who Are Currently Serving In Harm’s Way Around The World.
It’s Up To Us To Lead Them Back. Support Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund To Help Ease These Costly Burdens And Vital Living Expenses.
Our Son Jimmy Regan Would Be The First To Give, And He Was.
In Honor Of Sgt. James J. Regan
(Killed In Action, Iraq / February 9, 2007)
Jim & Mary Regan
Operation Gothic Serpent:
Task Force Ranger's Mission in Somalia
Operation Gothic Serpent was a U.S. Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) mission conducted in Mogadishu, Somalia, from August to October 1993. Following repeated attacks by the forces of Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid against United Nations peacekeepers, Task Force Ranger was deployed with the mission of capturing Aidid and dismantling his command network.
Throughout the operation, Task Force Ranger conducted numerous successful raids, capturing dozens of Aidid's key leaders. On October 3, 1993, the task force launched a daylight mission to capture two of Aidid's senior lieutenants. Although the initial objective was achieved, the mission changed dramatically when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by rocket-propelled grenades, forcing Rangers into an intense urban battle that lasted through the night. The engagement became known as the Battle of Mogadishu, or "Black Hawk Down."
The Rangers played a pivotal role throughout the battle, securing objectives, establishing defensive positions around the crash sites, protecting casualties, and fighting through overwhelming enemy forces while awaiting reinforcements. Their courage, discipline, and determination under extreme conditions became a defining example of the Ranger Creed's commitment to "fight on to the Ranger objective." Although the battle resulted in significant American casualties, the actions of Task Force Ranger demonstrated extraordinary valor and had a lasting impact on U.S. special operations doctrine and urban warfare tactics.
One of the most enduring moments of the battle became known as the "Mogadishu Mile." As armored vehicles fought their way through the city, Rangers were forced to move on foot under intense enemy fire to reach the convoy. Exhausted, low on ammunition, and carrying wounded comrades, they fought block by block through hostile streets until they reached safety. The Mogadishu Mile has since become a symbol of the grit, resilience, and unwavering commitment of Army Rangers in the face of overwhelming odds.
Each year, members of the 75th Ranger Regiment and their surrounding community pay homage to this historic event by running the "Mog Mile", a 5KM run to bring awareness to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Mogadishu.
