The Mogadishu Diaries Bloodlines 1992-1993

By E. Clay

Mogadishu Diaries Bloodlines is based on my personal experience as a US Marine peacekeeper during Operation Restore Hope from 9 December 1992 until 21 March 1993. One of my unit's most dangerous missions was the pursuit of a beloved and revered Somali warlord named Mohamed Farrah Aidid. This is my personal account...

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Clay
• Release date: Jan 30, 2013
• ISBN: 9780989154819

E. Clay

Never in a million years did I ever think I would become a writer, or that I would find it so fullfilling and rewarding. If the test of a true passion is the love of its drudgery, then I am certifiably hooked. The entire writing experience is a joy.I created this webpage so you can follow my works and hear the latest news on my progress. I enjoy communicating with my readers and reviewers about my characters, my plots and most importanly my message. If you ask me a question, I will make every effort to respond in a timely manner.

Book preview

Prologue

In August 1992, the United Nations embraced a mandate to facilitate humanitarian aid to Somalis trapped by civil war and famine. On 3 December, the UN Security Council overwhelmingly approved Resolution 794, which authorized immediate intervention. President Bush responded to Resolution 794 with a decision to initiate the US-led Operation Restore Hope. The mission was two-fold; secure major supply routes for the safe delivery of relief supplies, and help create a secure environment. Under Chapter VII of the Charter, US/coalition troops were authorized the use of all necessary means to accomplish the mission.

Chapter 1: Where is Your CAR?

1 November 1999

It was just about 11:30 a.m. and I was sitting in the back of a taxi en route to Los Angeles International Airport. The driver had just turned onto Century Boulevard and I could hear the thunder from the planes preparing for landing. This had been the best military leave in my thirteen-year career. I just returned from Detroit, Michigan, to see my mom and dad. My dad is the pastor of Alpha Baptist Church, and I love the smile on his face when I just stroll into church during Sunday worship unexpectedly in my uniform. I always sit in the pew right behind my unsuspecting mother. The year before, I disguised myself as a courier needing a signature for a package. She signed for the package and tipped me, not knowing it was me in the fake beard and dark sunglasses. The parcel she collected was a diamond necklace I purchased for her while I was in Thailand. The next time I rang the doorbell, I removed my disguise and hugged her as she opened the door. I really missed her. Anyway, as we pulled into the departure terminal, I straightened my necktie and grabbed hold of my clothing bag and suitcase. I was in plenty of time but I was flying space available on a military chartered plane and one’s chances are always hit or miss. I was flying back to Okinawa, Japan and saved a small fortune catching a military hop on the way over. The military flight over was only $10.00. I was just hoping to be as lucky on the rebound. The only slight inconvenience of flying military Space-A is you have to fly in your dress uniform. I paid the driver and scurried to join three others in the large revolving doors. I checked in at the Military Airlift Command counter and prayed for a seat to avoid having to purchase a same-day commercial ticket to Japan.

Good afternoon, Corporal. I was just wondering about my chances of getting a seat on the bird to Oki at 1400?

What category are you flying Gunnery Sergeant… Thompson? asked the clerk as she read my ID card.

Annual leave, I responded less confidently.

Not so good, most of the service members here are travelling on government orders, and annual leave as you know is low priority.

As I stood at the counter, I noticed two large families waiting to check in behind me. At that time I began to lose hope of getting back to Oki on the cheap and started to calculate the added expense I was about to drop on my Visa. I thanked the Corporal behind the desk and tried to hide my disappointment as I walked away. While walking past my fellow Marines and their families, I saw an old familiar face.

Staff Sergeant Barnes, Staff Sergeant Barnes! I called out, waving my free hand.

The gentleman looked over his shoulder and stood. As soon as he saw me, he smiled and walked towards me.

I’m sorry, I mean Chief Warrant Officer Barnes, I said as I saw the shiny bars on his shoulder tabs.

Gunny T…how long has it been?

Almost seven years now, congratulations on your officer appointment, I said as I shook his hand firmly.

Just trying to think where and when was the last time we met up, said Barnes as he scratched his head.

Man, how could you forget? 1992 in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Wow, you have an excellent memory. Do you remember the firefight with General Aidid’s forces? Barnes asked as we both sat beside one another.

Do I remember…how about January 7, 1993 at 7 a.m.? I responded with 100% accuracy.

Yeah, Somalia was good to me, I got another row of ribbons out of it and was selected for Warrant on the next board, Barnes said proudly.

Barnes then began to size up my uniform and tilted his head with a puzzled look on his face. I thought my uniform was misaligned or something.

Where’s your CAR? Barnes asked.

I took a taxi; my car is back in Oki, I responded somewhat confused.

I mean your CAR…your Combat Action Ribbon from the takedown we did that day, Barnes replied.

I didn’t know one was awarded. I was told by my officer in charge that it was a humanitarian relief operation, and no CARs were considered.

That’s bum scoop, everyone I know that took part in the fight got one, Barnes said as he pointed to the CAR on his chest.

Didn’t you work for Captain Shaffner back then? Barnes asked.

Yup, he was the one that told me I was ineligible.

Don’t know what to tell you, but he put me and Lance Corporal Knox in for it.

Do you remember the combat photographer we brought along as an additional shooter? Well he got the whole firefight on video and I have a copy at home, I said to Barnes.

You have to dub a tape for me…that’s a piece of history! So when’s the last time you watched it? Barnes asked.

I showed it to my troops for training a few months ago, I added.

Betcha it brings back memories huh? Barnes asked.

The truth was, I didn’t need the tape to remind me of what happened during the Takedown of Aidid’s Forces, I could never forget it. Seven years had passed, but to me it was like yesterday.

Chapter 2: Warning Order: 1st MAF

Seven Years Earlier

In November 1992, I was assigned to Third Battalion, Ninth Marines at Twentynine Palms, California. At that time, we were under siege, but not from foreign power. This was a media blitz. We were bombarded with almost nonstop news coverage of widespread famine plaguing Somalia. Rumors quickly spread that President Bush considered US intervention. Within days, the rumors were put to rest…as they became confirmed by the Warning Order 1st Marine Amphibious Force received. Many referred to this military action as the CNN War. My unit was tapped to supply a Gunnery Sergeant and an NCO, preferably a Sergeant. This was an opportunity I could not pass up, and it stemmed from me not deploying to the Gulf War two years prior. I was on instructor duty and was never called up. I remember as the Gulf War vets returned home with their amazing stories, I felt less than competitive and maybe a little envious. They were tested, I was not and I often wondered how I would have responded to such a demanding combat environment. I felt deploying to Somalia would close the gap between me and my Gulf War peers. On the way to noon chow, I saw Major Ennis, the Operations Officer.

Major Ennis, I heard you are looking for a couple of bodies to support One MAF’s deployment to Somalia.

Affirmative. First, we were looking for volunteers, but now it may be that Marines are voluntold. I know why, too, said the Major.

Why? I think it’s a great opportunity, I replied.

Gunny T…no one wants to deploy just before Christmas. Most troops have their leave chits already approved, plane tickets bought, the whole nine yards. If I don’t have any luck by COB, somebody’s gonna draw the short straw.

If you need a Gunny, I’m throwing my name in the hat, I said eagerly.

I appreciate your offer Guns, but aren’t you a single parent?

Yes, but my ex-wife is stationed here on Mainside. She is the Audio Visual NCOIC and she could watch our son while I’m deployed. As far as my son goes, he will be excited for me. He never lets me forget that most dads on base are war vets.

Okay, if you can drop your Family Deployment Plan on my desk by tomorrow, you are my man.

Oohrah sir! Will do! I said as I saluted him outside the chow hall.

Hey Guns! If you know of a squared away Sergeant let me know!

Roger that!

I had a great deal of respect for Major Ennis, he really looked after his troops. What I liked most about him was he was flexible and he really listened to what you had to say. I appreciated the opportunity he had given me and I had just the right man to fill the Sergeant slot…Corporal Ramirez.

Corporal Ramirez worked in the armory and was the best shooter in the unit. As a Corporal, he was the junior marksmanship instructor on the rifle range the year prior. As a marksmanship instructor, they let him qualify with the 9mm pistol. He qualified expert with the 9mm as well. Rarely did you see a Corporal with both rifle and pistol badges because Corporals were only required to qualify with the M16. At the Marine Corps Ball, he looked impressive with his double expert badges. It’s not often that the best NCO for the job is a Corporal, but Corporal Ramirez was an

Reviews for The Mogadishu Diaries Bloodlines 1992-1993

[schatzi_5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love how Mark Millar writes the Ultimate Universe, and this is no exception. It was also great to see how the popular Marvel Zombies line got started (and it comes in to play again in the next trade, too).

[all_hail_grimlock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun, fun times!10:52 am 25 October 2015Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 5: Crossover - Greg Land, Mark MillarWell, for me, not the FF. They've got to deal with zombified versions of themselves, who are older, smarter, and more experienced than they are. And after that, Namor: possibly the strongest being on the planet, who've they've just released from his ten-thousand year stint in Atlantean prison. He's also dirty minded and a would-be rapist. Yay! /sarcasm I really didn't like Namor, but I wasn't meant to like him. I especially disliked how he made Susan agree to kiss him, or he would drown New York City. But despite this one flaw, it was an enjoyable ride. The FF are getting more powerful villains, and really upping the ante here. I'm going to try to finish the last pages of Check Mate, but I've been struggling with that one. if not, back to this series!