Matthew Axelson, 29, was one of four Navy SEALs taking part in Operation Red Wing, a secret mission in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, to capture or kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, head of an insurgent group known as the "Mountain Tigers." The SEAL unit was betrayed to the Taliban, which attacked with a force of more than 40 men. It was a very bad situation that Im sure the after action report will help that something like that wont happen again. Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y. Ssgt. Kat is heading into her second decade of concealed carry, has been an avid hunter for decades, and has never met a firearm she didnt want to run (she also has a penchant for big bores). There are hopefully few among us unfamiliar with Operation Red Wings. Absolutely an amazing article, well written and timely. And when it became clear all of the men would die unless Murph used the SAT phone meant for only the direst of emergencies, he knew he had to make it work. He let them go. And I dont have access to the heart and mind of another. There's no way such a remote area in the Korengal could support a third that many fighters. He moves quickly, silently, and effectively I watched him go from stalking and moving mode to proned out and on target before I could blink, and of course he dropped the running antelope with a single, precise shot in the same heartbeat. The autopsy report outlining Dietz's wounds is five pages long. [47][48], In the years following Operation Red Wings more details emerged about the circumstances surrounding Luttrell survival, including that he was given sanctuary by local villagers. That being said, I read the book first, then saw the movie. Gulab claims when they found Marcus he still had his full load out. Ahmad Shah was known to be the HVT behind numerous attacks on American forces, although there were other HVTs with more blood on their hands and considered to be bigger fish. Operation Red Wings Autopsy Report - ironwildflower.com With the withdrawal of American and Coalition troops at the end of Red Wings II, Shah and his group were able to return to the Kunar Province and begin attacks again. Between 2010 and 2018 the Lone Survivor Foundation provided more than 25,200 hours of therapeutic services in a military-friendly environment to vets and their families, all at no cost to those receiving it. License Complaints Form. Luttrell wrote about realizing there was no possible way to help his best friend because the enemy would surely kill him long before he reached Murphy. It utilized special operations forces (SOF) units and assets, including members of the U.S. Navy SEALs and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) 160th Airborne Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR), for the opening phase of the operation. The list of those lost that day are as follows: Navy SEALs SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This isn't me just grinding some axe, though I see Luttrell's account as stolen valor. Then I got shot again the next day. Today is the 15th anniversary of Operation Red Wings, which claimed the life of 19 U.S. service members in Afghanistan. So before you write anything again in that context, or in general before you ever say again that you did something well! I watched a portion of one of his paid speeches where he claimed his back was broken and he had 11 through and throughs as he referred to them. [46] The Taliban leader, Ahmad Shah, knew that the wounded man he was tracking had to have passed through the village of Salar Ban as he made his way downhill. Some survivors from the rescue mission, Operation Red Wings II, have reported suffering from PTSD. Operation red wings autopsy Jobs, Employment | Freelancer Severely wounded, Lt. Michael Murphy returned to his cover position with his men and continued the battle. Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. His brothers were dead, hed been repeatedly shot, his back was shattered, and hed racked up countless contusions and lacerations diving down the mountain. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms. And why you are closer to being a terrorist than a Soldier. [2] The team could not establish consistent communication other than for a period long enough to indicate that they were under attack. I recommend you reconsider it! It is what we do, when we must fight only when we must! From running him off the road to planting a grenade outside his daughters bedroom, wounding his daughter, the Taliban didnt quit. [3] Official media reports from the military estimated the size of the Taliban force to be around 20 as well, while in the Medal of Honor citation for Murphy, the Navy cited 3040 enemies. Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>. They also had terrain advantage. The man has skills borne of experiences that will never be replicated and guess what, they have practical applications. This act ultimately led to the rescue of Luttrell and the recovery of the remains of the three who were killed in the battle. Just another Texas blowhard like Chris "I shot looters from the roof of the Superdome and knocked out Jesse Ventura" Kyle, who's made a post service career getting paid to tell anyone who will listen, books films, interviews, podcasts, you name it, about his time as a "silent" professional. [68] It was dedicated by Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter in November 2007. [2] A team of four Navy SEALs, tasked with surveillance and reconnaissance of a group of structures known to be used by Shah and his men, were ambushed by Shah and his group just hours after inserting into the area by fast-roping from an MH-47 Chinook helicopter. [2][7], Late in the night of June 27, 2005, two MH-47 helicopters approached Sawtalo Sar. The men had positioned themselves on the shale mountainside in the Hindu Kush east of Asadabad when they were compromised by a trio of supposed goatherders. The objective of the operation was to kill or capture Ahmad Shah (code name Ben Sharmak), a known terrorist and head of the "Mountain Tigers" militia group. Who are way more effective fighters than Taliban but the media and books and stuff say taliban because its easier for peoples heads back home. The 4 SEALS members that were inserted and the Quick Reaction Force that were killed in the helicopter attack were from SEAL TEAM 10. Im not so sure after we were there, we should have left, like we did. Even in the face of the Taliban threatening Gulab, his family, and his village the Pashtunwali villagers refused to capitulate. More like 8-12 fighters according to multiple sources, including video shot by those Talis during the fight, Gulab and the other villagers who rescued Luttrell, and the Marine rescue team who were there a day later. purchase helps support my work in bringing you more awesome gun and gear articles. At the time of this writing its been almost 15 years since June 28, 2005, when four US Navy SEALs carried out an op to put eyes on known terrorist Ahmad Shah. If you would have researched it well, you would have known it would not make a difference! [2][7] 2/3 continued the use of hockey team names for large operations. The worst conditions in four police stations be passed away from pursuing complaints with red wings: operation red wings. Instead he was posthumously awarded the MOH. Basic Details: A four-person recon element comprised of LT Michael P Murphy, HM1 Marcus A Luttrell, STG2 Mathew G Axelson, and GM2 Danny P Dietz was Inserted (MGRS: 42S XD 78186 58123) via Fast-Rope at approximately 27170ZJUN05 to conduct a sensitive recon (SR) mission. That is the literal definition of a liar. Luttrell's claim that the mission was to hunt down a key ally of. His nephew would be murdered and the Taliban would attempt to murder Gulab in a number of ways. I did not see that in Marcuss book. W. Stanley Proctor sculpted a work for the Veteran's Memorial Park in Cupertino, California, called The Guardians, which commemorates the SEALS killed in the operation. You could ask Luttrell what he learned from Operation Red Wings, what he would change, and whether he is happy with the choices he made that day but it all comes down to this: never quit. He was shot in the back at one point, causing him to drop the transmitter. The fourth SEAL, Luttrell, was blasted over a ridge by a rocket-propelled grenade and was knocked unconscious. There was no signal at all where the men were positioned; Murph needed to find an open, high point, and so he went. This reminds of of when Larry Wilson was killed. [4] A descent down the east side of the ridgeline leads into the Shuryek Valley. That's some serious badassery; that's a level of practically inhuman strength. Lt. Murphy said he does not make war on children. My recommendation would be to watch the film first, then read the book for the facts and the rest of this amazing story of survival and loss. He then gave him the note Luttrell had written. Matt Axelson invented chill. Operation Red Wings was a Marine Corps conceived operation informally referred to as Battle of Abbas Ghar. He was shot at least nine times, three times in the head and neck. [34], 2/3's battalion staff began planning Operation Red Wings when they arrived in Afghanistan. PDF Operation Red Wings Autopsy Report - x3media.com [2][31] With the surrender of Najmudeen, ACM activity in the region dropped significantly. We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy. While one of the aircraft performed a number of "decoy drops" to mislead any enemy observers, the other inserted a four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team via fast rope in a saddle between Sawtalo Sar and Gatigal Sar, a peak just to the south of Sawtalo Sar. OPERATION RED WINGS began with an insertion of a four-man NAVSOF reconnaissance and surveillance team near the summit of Sawtalo Sar late in the night of 27 June 2005. Shah was from a remote region in Nangarhar Province, which borders the south side of Kunar Province. It is likely Luttrell would have been turned over to the Taliban had he descended into the Korangal instead of Shuryek. If you did, you would know where soldiers are coming from! The intelligence staff identified four named areas of interest containing specific structures which Shah might be using. Ed's a photographer and the author of "Victory Point: Operation Red Wings and Whalers - The Marine Corps' Battle for Freedom in Afghanistan," as well as his latest, "The Final Mission . The Taliban came to the village several times, demanding that Luttrell be turned over to them. The enemy had the SEALs outnumbered. Up to. It is one of the first sculptured memorials to those who served in the War in Afghanistan. Stephen C. Reich - Wikipedia According to Luttrell, Axelson had three full magazines left at that moment in time. I crawled into the side of that mountain and covered myself with rocks, took mud and anything I could find, packed it into the open holes in my legs Then night came around. The forces were participating in Operation Red Wing, an effort to defeat terrorists operating in Kunar province," a military press release stated. [46] It was partly because of this goodwill that Gulab gave Luttrell sanctuary. This would pose a threat to their activities, some of which included attempting to aid a resurgent neo-Taliban and lumber smuggling. AXE In 2007, Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. Matt Axelson wasnt just shot during that final battle in June 2005, he was shot repeatedly and in ways youd expect to be immediately fatal. As with the specifics of the planning of this phase, 2/3 played no direct role in command and control, as this was the "SOF supported" portion of the operation. Luttrell is a national treasure. Do you want the average person to support the military, or not? Murphy picked it back up, completed the call, and continued firing at the enemy closing in. The operation would require a helicopter insertion of forces to cordon the area and search for Shah and his men. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). They were not members of SEAL Team 6. In the week before Operation Red Wings, only 2 soldiers died in the entire country. By Lt Murphy not eliminating the two young Afghanis by tying them up and gagging them or killing them, I feel that he brought down the hell on his teams head. I watched the taliban video on youtube and it changed my mind. Hey you got any additional tin foil hats you could share? Operation Red Wings should never have gotten approved. Shah, they determined, was responsible for approximately 11 incidents against coalition forces and government of Afghanistan entities, including small arms ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. Finally, after far too long, the American government assisted him in coming to the USA and he now lives with his family in Texas. They were part of the planned QRF in Operation Red Wings. The film shows Murphy deciding to expose himself to enemy fire to get a message to a waiting Quick Reaction Force and hopefully save as many of his men as possible. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn. Operation Red Wings is one of the darkest times in SEAL team history and the inspiration behind the movie Lone Survivor. He and several other SEALs set off as part of a search and rescue mission, hoping to assist a four-man SEAL team that was engaged in a firefight with Taliban fighters. Although she is now a full-time outdoor writer her background is eclectic and includes K9 Search-and-Rescue and emergency veterinary medicine. To rid themselves of Taliban forces in the area, led by a warlord named Ahmed Shah, the Marines put together Operation Red Wings, then called on the Navy SEALs based near Kabul. And when Luttrell dragged him to what he hoped was a safer spot on the mountainside, Dietz kept his rifle raised and laid down cover fire even as he was dragged backward over the shale and dirt. Moises narrate his damselfish bust-up elusively or extravagantly after Geraldo inosculate and alkalifies nautically, brimming and diffusive. The recent major motion picture "Lone Survivor" tells the story of Operation Red Wings, an ill-fated 2005 Navy SEAL reconnaissance operation in Afghanistan. His book says they fought, what, 100 insugents, killing 35? [citation needed]. [1][2] A key milestone in this campaign was the September 18, 2005, Afghan national parliamentary elections. Also the whole Afgan situation should have been avoided in the first place. [28] Spurs utilized Navy SEALs for the opening two phases of the five-phase operation. [2] Similar operations that followed included Operation Mavericks (named after the Dallas Mavericks basketball team) in April 2005,[29] and Operation Celtics (named after the Boston Celtics basketball team) in May 2005. During the following weeks of Red Wings II, ground units of 2/3 undertook a number of patrols, as did members of the Afghan National Army, Army Special Operations units, and Navy Special Operations units. For the men who have seen the worst atrocities of combat and lost their brothers, surviving can take incredible will. Several weeks later, Shah's group was attacked in Kunar Province and disabled while Shah was later seriously wounded during Operation Whalers in August 2005. [55] When Shina reached the base in Nangalam in the middle of the night, he met with the commander and related the story about a wounded American soldier in their village. Erik S. Kristensen - Wikipedia Both? Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz had been killed by the end of the two-hour gunfight that careened through the hills and over cliffs. They knew the tremendous risk of going into an active enemy area in daylight without their attack support and the cover of night. After Axelsons death, Luttrell would say of Axelson that he fought the encroaching Taliban forces with a calm demeanor, methodically supplying suppressive fire and precise, surgical shots as required to defend their lives. 'Lone Survivor' SEAL embellished his story, Afghan who - Mail Online 11 SEALs, 8 Army Night Stalkers killed 15 years ago today in Operation Hes that guy youd go hunting with, share a few beers with, and just flat-out like. The above article is sadly lacking to say the least. Insurgent activity in Kunar Province during this time came from 22 identified groups,[2][7] some of which had tenuous ties to the Taliban and al-Qaeda while the majority were little more than local criminals. Najmudeen's surrender, however, left a power vacuum in the region. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. In reply to Mike Washburne I think you are too harsh on LT Murphy, according to Mohammed Gulab the local tribesman who saved Lutrell the Taliban were already aware of the SEALs insertion and had heard the Helicopters and were close to being in a position to attack at the time the SEALs were debating what to do with goatherders. Many of the details regarding the Afghans who aided Luttrell were reported incorrectly in the American press during the days after the events occurred. On June 28, 2008, Luttrell and the family members of soldiers killed overseas were honored at a San Diego Padres game. Korengal was and is crawling with hezbi e islami. I couldnt put it down. Special Operations Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan | Ranger Movie on [1][46] After word was received of his survival, Luttrell and Gulab were recovered by Pararescuemen Josh Appel and Chris Piercecchi. [52], Not long before Operation Red Wings, relations with the Americans had improved in the Shuryek Valley and the greater Pech River region because of humanitarian work that had taken place. The scene ends with Murphy successfully making the call and then falling dead after being shot in the back multiple times while perched upon a rock out in the open. I have read Lutrells book. It felt so artificial and contrived. anything extra and your "Operation Red Wings" Navy SEAL "Matthew Axelson" recovery Meanwhile, Marcus Luttrell had been taken in by a local Afghan, Gulab, from the village of Salar Ban, roughly 0.7 miles (1.1km) down the northeast gulch of Sawtalo Sar[4] from the location of the ambush. You cannot discuss Operation Red Wings without talking about the men of Turbine 33. guns & I feel he also was responsible for 20 additional deaths of the men that attempted to rescue him and what was left of his team. "[44], In the June 12, 2007 article "Survivor's book dishonors son's memory" by Michael Rothfeld in Newsday, Michael P. Murphy's father Dan claims that Lieutenant Murphy would never have considered executing unarmed civilians, let alone putting such a grave decision up for a vote (in reference to the purported vote of execution of unarmed locals). Its the story of all these men on the most courageous day of their lives. Forces death toll since Operation Enduring Freedom began. If someone says something that is not true, that person is a liar. Luttrell's own AAR said 20-35. That QRF included an MH-47 Chinook, radio call sign Turbine 33, containing eight SEALs and eight 160th Army Special Operations Aviators. Despite the intensity of the firefight and suffering grave gunshot wounds himself, Team Leader Michael Murphy is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. They focus on PTSD, mTBI, and chronic pain. As described in the book, the reality of the situation is significantly different and more disturbing. [citation needed], Luttrell wrote a note and asked that it be taken to the American base at Asadabad. They launched a well-organized, three-sided attack on the SEALs. He regained consciousness and was rescued by local Pashtun, who ultimately saved his life. However I have talked to trained military people Air Force PJs and they said they would have at least tied up the goat hearders. Side note: if youre not familiar with the book Lone Survivor, go get it. Luttrell vividly recalls the blood pouring from Murphs abdomen after Murph was shot in the stomach near the beginning of the firefight. Operation Red Wings (often incorrectly referred to as Operation Redwing or Operation Red Wing ), [13] informally referred to as the Battle of Abbas Ghar, was a joint military operation conducted by the United States in the Pech District of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Luttrell was inserted onto that mountain in the Hindu Kush at night on June 27, 2005 and on June 28, 2005 he found himself grievously injured and alone. It wouldn't have happened to a group of Rangers or Recon Marines who do that for a living rather than drive mini-subs. Surviving takes courage, too. I finally got feeling back in my legs. [1], After the broken transmission from the SEAL team, their position and situation were unknown. Maybe learn a little deeper about the area. Now if you want to research something.and draw sobering conclusions..research and read the book BETRAYED by Billy Vaughn. [58], A large amount of resources were devoted to the search, rescue, and recovery operations of Red Wings II. Pat Tillman, on the other hand, was also a safety for the football Cardinals and it was he, not Larry Wilson who was killed in action. Dehydrated, with a bullet wound to one leg, shrapnel embedded in both legs, three vertebrae cracked; the situation for Luttrell was grim. Upon reaching Sawtalo Sar, the two MH-47s received small arms fire. By the time of the book, that number had inflated to 200, and their target, who they never even laid eyes on, Ahmed Shah, was hardcore AQ and promoted to an OBL top lieutenant, lies no one but Luttrell has ever even tried to defend. Look, with all due respect, so what if it's not exactly true, but just 'loosely' true? And no, I'm not trying to diss you, I know nothing of you, and you of me. Operation Red Wings was a combined/joint military operation conducted in the Pech District of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it. [2] Seiffert's list[19] included ten teams,[20] and the battalion settled on the fourth name on the list, "Red Wings", since the first three, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and New Jersey Devils, each could be misconstrued as a reference to military units currently in Afghanistan at the time. That's not the point. [53] Gulab was aware of these developments and had introduced himself to the Marine commander at Nangalam, Matt Bartels, when he was visiting Matin. An Overlooked Hero of Navy SEALs' Operation Red Wings We dont hide or run for a fight we stand ground, run towards one when one of or own needs help! That was one of the greatest losses in the SOF community and the highest single loss in Operation Red Wings. Murphy contacted the SOF Quick Reaction Force at Bagram Air Base and requested assistance while continuing to be fired upon. Lt. Cmdr. It felt disrespectful to the other 3 guys. This is the story of Operation Red Wings and why it is not only historically valuable but relevant to our lives in general. [24], 2/3 eventually abandoned this naming convention out of sensitivity to the local population, instead opting for using Dari names for animals,[2] including "Pil" (elephant)[25] and "Sorkh Khar" (red donkey). Deep behind enemy lines, a very committed 4-man SEAL team had a vital task. This is my opinion. We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va. Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla. HQ Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky. Master Sgt. Remembering Operation Red Wings - The Truth About Guns I am a non-combat US Army Vet I LOVE our military. Get proficient on YOUR time. The two MH-47s took the lead. [15] The operation was intended to disrupt the activities of local Taliban-aligned anti-coalition militias (ACM), thus contributing to regional stability and thereby facilitating the September 2005 parliamentary election for the National Assembly of Afghanistan. As a result, Ahmad Shah and his men left the region and regrouped in Pakistan. And I would advise you to reconsider ever writing the words. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio. Consequently, Shah and his group were one of the primary targets of the American military operation. and extra gear. But no, they took a vote, like boy scouts, and it was up to our hero to make the call, which he then blames on CNN. Look up Ed Darack, ex-SF guy, who spent years researching the entire fiasco for a book called Victory Point, dealing with a number of missions in that area. The SEAL mission was compromised when the local nationals spotted the team, who presumably reported its presence and location to the Taliban. Even if it was a choice instead of an command. Danny Dietz was shot at least fives times and continued to fight. Following the call, Murphy managed to drag himself to a semi-covered position, where he began to cry out to Luttrell for help. You don't want to remember him that way, they said. He began the foundation to help service members and their families who were and are recovering from combat trauma. Remembering Operation Red Wings: What Happened? [60] In April 2008, Shah was killed during a shootout with Pakistani police in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2, Virginia Beach, Va. 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Adam Brown: The life and legacy of fearless Navy SEAL, The Day of the Rangers: An unforgettable moment in military history, ANA Commando: Afghanistans premier special operations unit, Examining the Differences in Training for SAS and Navy SEALs, Gunners Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz, Comms, Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SEAL) Marcus Luttrell, Medic. Axe defended Luttrell to his last breath. The battalion agreed to this, believing, however, that this unconventional command structure defied a fundamental tenet of successful military operations "unity of command". [4] The team members were team leader Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2, based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Petty Officer Second Class Matthew G. Axelson from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1; and Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Marcus Luttrell, of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1. Rare footage of the disastrous Operation Red Wings from the - reddit [56], Ahmad Shah and his group recovered a large amount of weapons, ammunition, and other materials, including three SOPMOD M4 Carbines fitted with M203 40mm grenade launchers, a ruggedized laptop with an intact hard drive containing maps of embassies in Kabul, night-vision devices, and a sniper spotting scope, among other items from the Navy SEAL reconnaissance and surveillance team,[58] items which they could then use against American, Coalition, and Afghan government entities. His overall intelligence picture of Shah took a substantial leap when 2nd Lieutenant Regan Turner, a platoon commander with 2/3's "Whiskey Company" a weapons company augmented to function like an infantry line company, gathered a wealth of human intelligence about Shah during a patrol including his full name: Ahmad Shah Dara-I-nur (Ahmad Shah of the Valley of the Enlightened ones); his birthplace, the Kuz Kunar District of Nangarhar Province; his primary alias: Ismael; his chief allegiance: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who was based out of the Shamshato Refugee Camp near Peshawar, Pakistan; his group's size: fifty to one hundred fighters; and his goals: to impede the upcoming elections and attempt to aid a resurgent Taliban in the region.
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