Master Sergeant
GARY GORDON


Inducted 1995

Biography

Master Sergeant Gary Gordon is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in Mogadishu, Somalia, while attached to Task Force Ranger. On 3 October 1993, after providing protective fires during an assault, he and his team member were directed to the first helicopter crash site where they provided protective covering fires that allowed the Ranger Rescue Team to secure the area. When a second helicopter crashed, Master Sergeant Gordon unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted to protect the critically wounded crew. When his third request to be inserted was granted, he and his fellow sniper fought their way through enemy fire and a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew. Master Sergeant Gordon pulled the pilot and other crew members to safety. He and his fellow sniper then secured the perimeter of the crash site, placing themselves in the most vulnerable positions. He then used his side arm and long range rifle to kill an undetermined number of attackers. Master Sergeant Gordon then went back into the wreckage and recovered some of the crew's weapons and ammunition. Despite the fact that he was critically low on ammunition, he provided some to the dazed pilot and continued to radio for help. With his team member now fatally wounded, Master Sergeant Gordon continued to travel the perimeter and provide protective fire. He gave his team member's rifle along with the last five rounds of ammunition to the downed pilot with the words "good luck". Then, armed only with his pistol, he continued to fight until he was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot's life. Master Sergeant Gordon's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Rangers, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.