[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 65 (Monday, May 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 THE AWARDING OF THE MEDAL OF HONOR TO U.S. ARMY MASTER SERGEANT GARY 
                                 GORDON

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, I know we all remember the tragic loss 
of life that occurred on October 3, 1993, when members of the U.S. Army 
Rangers and Special Forces became involved in a fierce firefight with 
supporters of Somali Gen. Mohammed Farah Aidid. Eighteen Americans were 
killed and many more wounded in the battle.
  We will never forget the photographs of Chief Warrant Officer Michael 
Durant, held captive by the Somalis for 11 days, wounded and in 
terrible pain. And we will never forget our relief when Officer Durant 
was released by his captors and returned home to the United States.
  In the midst of the chaos and horror that day in Mogadishu, a Green 
Beret sergeant from Lincoln, ME named Gary Gordon committed an act of 
heroism that also will be remembered. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor this outstanding young man who was killed in the line of duty, 
and who has been awarded posthumously the Medal of Honor by President 
Clinton.
  During the battle on October 3, Chief Warrant Officer Durant's 
Blackhawk helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade and crashed, 
leaving him and three crew members injured and surrounded by hostile 
fire. Master Sergeant Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randall Shugart 
were then dropped from another Blackhawk helicopter to provide cover 
for the injured troops until reinforcements could arrive.
  Without any backup and outnumbered by Somali gunmen, Master Sergeant 
Gordon and Sergeant 1st Class Shugart pulled Chief Warrant Officer 
Durant and his crew from their helicopter and administered first aid. 
When Somali gunmen began attacking the crashsite, Master Sergeant 
Gordon demonstrated bravery and heroism to protect the injured men. 
While holding his position and keeping the attackers at a distance, 
Master Sergeant Gordon was shot and killed by Somali fire. Only Chief 
Warrant Officer Durant survived the battle.
  For distinguishing himself conspicuously at the risk of his life 
above and beyond the call of duty, President Clinton has posthumously 
awarded Master Sergeant Gordon the Medal of Honor, the highest award 
offered to a member of the Armed Forces for an act of heroism while in 
service to our country. This is a very great honor, and clearly 
deserved by an individual who demonstrated outstanding bravery and 
devotion to his nation.
  The family of Master Sergeant Gordon clearly will continue to feel 
the pain caused by the loss of their loved one. But I hope they know 
that the United States is deeply grateful for his service.

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