The Rescue Team’s Duty

This flow follows the rescue personnel’s bond to the wounded and dead at Super 61, even as the site comes under fire.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Medic Descends

A Rescue Mission Begins A Difficult Arrival Tim Wilkinson descended from the rescue helicopter after a delay caused by medical bags. An RPG strike threatened the aircraft while personnel were still using the ropes. Composure for Others The pilot held position until the final men reached the ground. That discipline protected rescuers who could not yet see how dangerous the site had become.

Searching for Survivors

The Wreck Is Not Empty A Hidden Crewman Wilkinson noticed movement beneath equipment inside the overturned aircraft and found Ray Dowdy trapped in his seat. He and others worked to free him under fire. Shared Exposure Bullets tore through the wreck while the rescuers and wounded crewman were still inside. Their work depended on mutual trust and rapid movement through a structure that offered little protection.

Recovering the Fallen

Refusing to Abandon a Comrade The Unreachable Cockpit The team could not easily free Cliff Wolcott from the crushed front of the aircraft. They searched for ways to reach him while protecting the wounded. A Principle Under Pressure The rescue personnel remained committed to recovering the dead even as the ground force was isolated. Their duty connected the living survivors to those who could no longer be brought out alive.

October 3, 1993, shortly after the crash

October 3, 1993, late afternoon

October 3–4, 1993, night