The Ground Force Tries to Reach the Wrecks

This flow tracks the convoy effort as confusion, casualties, and blocked streets thwart rescue plans.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Wrong Turn

The Convoy Falls Behind Separate Routes Jeff Struecker's small group became separated from the main column after a wrong turn. It reached the target area only after the assault was already under way. A Casualty Evacuation The group carried Todd Blackburn toward base, moving through streets crowded with armed fighters and civilians. Its diversion reduced the vehicles available for the larger rescue effort.

Lost Among the Streets

Directions from Above A Maze Below Danny McKnight's convoy tried to reach Super 61, but delayed directions and unfamiliar alleys repeatedly sent it off course. The crew could not see what commanders saw from aircraft and surveillance screens. Mounting Cost Each pause or turn exposed vehicles to fire. Wounded men accumulated even as the convoy remained far from the crash site it had been sent to reach.

The Retreat to Base

A Rescue Attempt Abandoned Vehicles in Ruins The convoy lost men, ammunition, and working vehicles while struggling through ambushes. Its leaders judged that it could not reach either crash site in its battered state. Survival Becomes the Mission The column turned toward base, fighting through further attacks. Its failure left the besieged troops awaiting a different rescue force.

October 3, 1993, early in the assault

October 3, 1993, late afternoon

October 3, 1993, evening