CW4 MICHAEL "MIKE" DURANT
Combat Gallantry in Operation Gothic Serpent
On October 3, 1993, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Durant was at the controls of MH-60 Black Hawk Super 64, providing aerial sniper coverage and close air support to Task Force Ranger assault teams in downtown Mogadishu. As Super 64 orbited the initial crash site of Cliff Wolcott's Super 61, an enemy RPG-7 struck its tail rotor assembly, causing catastrophic damage and sending the aircraft spinning to earth roughly one mile away.
Despite suffering a fractured spine, crushed cheekbone, and compound leg fractures upon impact, Durant and his crew fought to establish a defensive posture. In one of the most revered acts of bravery in U.S. military history, Delta Force snipers MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart voluntarily inserted into the hornets’ nest to defend Durant and the wounded crew, holding off hundreds of armed Somali militia until their ammunition was exhausted and both gave their lives (posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor).
Eleven Days of Captivity & Life of Purpose
Captured by Somali militia loyal to warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Durant endured eleven grueling days of interrogation, pain, and isolation as a Prisoner of War before diplomatic negotiations secured his release. His courage and steadfast refusal to betray his country or comrades inspired the American public. After recovering, Durant completed a full military career before penning the New York Times bestseller In the Company of Heroes and The Ground Truth, immortalizing the courage of his fallen comrades.
The 2024 Queenslake Gathering
At the 4th Annual Mogadishu Mile Kentucky in October 2024, Mike Durant stayed in the main residence and custom luxury RV along the lake as an honored guest of John Chmela. Defying the permanent physical trauma of Mogadishu, Durant didn't just attend—he strapped in, doing box jumps, medicine ball slams, and rucking the full mile alongside fellow pilot Dan Jollota and Team 32. His presence, humility, and encouragement electrified the ROTC cadets and military runners on course.
"Night Stalkers Don't Quit. To be back here at Queenslake, standing with Dan, Jim, Willa, and Shari, keeping the memory of Gary, Randy, Frankie, and Donovan alive—this is what honor looks like."
CW4 Mike Durant: Super 64 Pilot, POW Survivor & Living Legend
Action and tribute photos of CW4 Mike Durant—pilot of Black Hawk Super 64, held captive for 11 days, and bestselling author of In the Company of Heroes—competing on the obstacle course and walking the grounds as an honored guest at Queenslake in 2024.
