Black Hawk Down- gaya saja lebih.

Did you know that Oct 3rd is the 16th annivesary the day when 2 MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters shot down in Somalia in 1993 depicted in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down in 2001. This movie of course told the story from the America bravado point of view which failed to amplify the big screw up on the USA's (lousy tactical plan and lack of political support) part and downplayed the contribution from Malaysia and Pakistan armed forces in UNOSOM II.

Left: Black Hawk Down the movie. The Delta Force, Rangers, SEALs, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and Air Force Pararescue/Air Force Combat Controllers were made to look really gaya (even while dying) in the movie while UNOSOM II troops were depicted like bumbling buffoons. Check out the story on the real Eversmann here (played by Josh Hartnett in the movie) and the Malaysia viewpoint written by Col Chia here.

2nd from right: Kpl Mat Aznan, killed in action while driving the MALBAT's Radpanzer Condor armoured personnel carrier in the hot zone. 7 others from MALBAT were injured.

Left: One of the destroyed  Radpanzer Condor APCs. These are MALBAT's light amored vehicles forced to undergo direct heavy machinegun fire and shelling to extradite the US forces.

Left: US forces posing beside a MALBAT APC after the ordeal.








Documentary from the History Channel on YouTube here. I've been to quite a number of virtual warzones myself and can testify it's a daunting task to stay alive. Wonder when will our Malaysian directors and producers redeem Malaysia's true heroes?