Troops go in thinking they are invincible - especially when they have high-tech equipment and the other side has antiquated guns. But the battle isn’t always won by the side with the best weapons. Sometimes the battle is won by those who believe they have the most to lose. Such was the case in Mogadishu during the fall of 1993.

America's original mission to Somalia - Operation Restore Hope - was humanitarian in nature. But when UN-supplied food materials were used as bargaining chips by rival clan leaders, further fueling chaos, peacekeeping Americans were killed.

In August of 1993, President Clinton sent special forces to Somalia as part of a new mission: Operation Continue Hope. This time, armed Delta Force commandos (from Ft. Bragg) and Army Rangers (from Ft. Benning) would attempt to keep the peace. A detachment of helicopters, with their crews, were sent from Ft. Campbell. The choppers were UH-60s - also called “Black Hawks.”

On the 3rd of October, 1993, members of Delta Force were sent to capture two rebel leaders (who were in Mogadishu) while a Ranger Task Force would secure all four corners of the target block. Everyone expected the commandos and rangers to return to base within an hour. Instead, two Black Hawks were shot down by Somalis using antiquated guns and rocket-propelled grenades. An urban battle ensued, in which the Americans found themselves in the middle of a shooting gallery.

In this story behind the film, virtually visit Mogadishu to view the scene of action. Meet the soldiers who gave their lives, or were wounded. See Black Hawks, including the two which were shot down. Watch the Pentagon’s video of the raid. Hear the actual radio transmission, as shocked voices exclaim: “We got a Black Hawk going down!!"