Ranger Hesitation and Courage

Black Hawk Down

This flow explores how fear appears within the unit and how different soldiers respond to it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Shock The First Shock from "Black Hawk Down". Fear Enters the Base The Convoy Returns Pilla's bloodied vehicle and Blackburn's severe injuries made the battle tangible to the Rangers at base.

The First Shock from "Black Hawk Down". Fear Enters the Base The Convoy Returns Pilla's bloodied vehicle and Blackburn's severe injuries made the battle tangible to the Rangers at base.

Fear Enters the Base The Convoy Returns Pilla's bloodied vehicle and Blackburn's severe injuries made the battle tangible to the Rangers at base. The radio had already suggested that the operation was deteriorating. Different Reactions Dale Sizemore wanted to return to the fight, while Steve Anderson felt dread. Their contrasting responses reveal that fear and commitment could coexist within the same unit.

The Decision to Go Back The Decision to Go Back from "Black Hawk Down". A Choice Under Pressure Removing the Cast Sizemore cut away his cast and gathered equipment despite being injured.

The Decision to Go Back from "Black Hawk Down". A Choice Under Pressure Removing the Cast Sizemore cut away his cast and gathered equipment despite being injured.

A Choice Under Pressure Removing the Cast Sizemore cut away his cast and gathered equipment despite being injured. His action turned frustration at being left behind into a risky return to duty. Confession and Resolve Brad Thomas told Jeff Struecker he could not go out again. Struecker acknowledged his own fear and argued that courage depended on what a person did while afraid.

Fear Becomes Movement Fear Becomes Movement from "Black Hawk Down". The Convoy Rolls Again Returning Despite Doubt Thomas ultimately boarded the vehicle with the others.

Fear Becomes Movement from "Black Hawk Down". The Convoy Rolls Again Returning Despite Doubt Thomas ultimately boarded the vehicle with the others.

The Convoy Rolls Again Returning Despite Doubt Thomas ultimately boarded the vehicle with the others. Some men moved from conviction, others from duty or pressure, but the force prepared to re-enter the city. No Simple Heroism The scene presents courage as action amid fear rather than an absence of fear. The soldiers' varied reactions complicate the idea that combat produces one uniform response.

October 3, 1993, late afternoon

October 3, 1993, early evening

October 3, 1993, evening