Black Hawk Down (2001)

Black Hawk Down (2001) is a war film directed and produced by Ridley Scott, co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and written by Ken Nolan. Based on journalist Mark Bowden’s 1999 book of the same name, it revolves around the events of 1992 when the United Nations Security Council authorized a military operation with a peacekeeping mandate in southern Somalia during the civil war and famine. However, tensions arise between UNOSOM II and Mogadishu’s militia loyal to Mohamed Farrah Aidid by 1993. In response, U.S. President Clinton orders Task Force Ranger – comprising of 3rd Battalion/75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force operators, and flight crew of the 160th SOAR – to Mogadishu with the goal of capturing Aidid, who has claimed himself as president and is accused of stealing Red Cross food supplies. During their mission outside Mogadishu, Rangers and Delta Force successfully capture Osman Ali Atto, a faction leader known for selling arms to Aidid’s militia.

The U.S. devises a plan to also capture Omar Salad Elmi and Abdi Hassan Awale Qeybdiid – two top advisers of Aidid. In preparation for the mission, Staff Sergeant Matthew Eversmann takes command of Ranger Chalk Four when his lieutenant suffers a seizure. His team includes Private First Class Todd Blackburn, a fresh 18-year-old, and Specialist John Grimes, who previously worked as a desk clerk. As the operation commences, Delta Force operatives successfully capture Aidid’s advisors in the target building, while the Rangers and accompanying helicopters face heavy fire from enemy militia. During the chaos, Blackburn falls from one of the Black Hawks and sustains severe injuries. Staff Sergeant Jeff Struecker leads three Humvees to escort Blackburn back to UN-held Mogadishu Airport. Meanwhile, Grimes becomes separated from Eversmann’s chalk after surviving an RPG explosion.