Posted on 12/23/2004 7:42:08 AM PST by waterman478
Readers of Blackhawk Down will rememeber John Macejunas, the Delta Operator of almost mythical cool and courage. I'm amazed that the man's story has not lead into something else. Has anyone heard where he ended up? I understand he did some consulting on the movie, but I haven't heard anything more. Recent events in Iraq, particularly Fallujah, made me think of it.
Admin feel free to pull if not appropriate...
I doubt you'll hear about him or many of the Delta personnel, as many of them did not want to be further identified, etc. Mark Bowden came into some critcism when he wrote Black Hawk Down, as some believed the few Delta folks he talked to provided a skewed view of the mission and events in October, 1993. I don't share that criticism, and he wrote an outstanding book.
I agree with your assessment of the book. Not always flattering, and his sections from the Somali's points of view were sometimes teeth-gritting but nonetheless realistic.
But your point about Delta/secrecy is spot on, I had forgotten about that.
I will note that one person mentioned briefly in the book, and who was also interviewed in The History Channel? (or PBS) special on Black Hawk Down died in an aircraft crash in Iraq in 2003. Can't think of of name now, but I know it was mentioned on FR last year. He was an NCO during October 1993, but was a Warrant Officer and was flying some type of helicopter while in Iraq in 2003.
Found it, the solider killed was Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1055268/posts
You have Freepmail.
Bowden is undoubtedly one of the better war/action journalists out there.
Even if his prose may seem to be a bit too florid at times, he still provides an amazingly detailed, enthralling account of events on the ground.
Mark Bowden talked to quite a few of the people that were part of that action, including Rangers. He tried to contact me, but at the time, I was in prison. :(
American prison?
"American prison?"
Yes. I did 6 years in prison. All part of a life I left behind. Made a lot of money, but in the end, the price I paid was too high. Lost a gorgeous wife, 6 good years of my daughters' lives and some rights I used to take for granted.
These guys take pride in doing a difficult job well, and expect that their achievements will go unrecognized outside the community.
Army SF prefers " The Quiet Professionals", and most view publicity seeking as unprofessional.
I agree with your assessment, but thank God that they are there when we need them. They are unsung heroes.
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