Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War

In order to kidnap two of a Somali warlord's senior lieutenants, around one hundred American troops were dropped by helicopter into a bustling market in the center of Mogadishu, Somalia, on October 3, 1993. An hour was estimated to be needed for the task. Rather, they engaged in combat with thousands of armed Somalis for an arduous and traumatic night. By daybreak, almost seventy Americans were critically wounded and eighteen Americans had died. One of the most fascinating stories of contemporary warfare ever written is Mark Bowden's compelling tale, which brilliantly depicts the bravery, cruelty, and heroism of combat.