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Round 3
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Tom Hunter
|
Newport Beach, CA
|
11/21/97 6:16:12 PM
|
Mark - Just wanted to say that yours is the most complete
non-classified account I've yet read on TF Ranger.
Sincerely, Tom Hunter
Editor, Special Operations Journal
www.specialoperations.com
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:37:09 PM
|
Thanks, Tom. It means a lot to me that folks like
yourself approve.
MB
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Guy Ghisu
|
upperDarby ,Pa.
|
11/21/97 7:31:46 PM
|
Hello Mike, I would like to say that this series had me
glued to the newspaper .I remember when I first saw news
footage back then,your writing pulled those events and
feelings together in a powerful way.You should get a
pullitzer prize for
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Mark Bowden
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11/24/97 5:37:09 PM
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Thanks, Guy.
MB
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John
|
Philly Pa
|
11/21/97 8:22:03 PM
|
Excellent series, reminds me of 'Nam
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Mark Bowden
|
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11/24/97 5:40:45 PM
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Thanks
MB
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Delta John
|
Bragg
|
11/21/97 8:47:53 PM
|
Comment: Having positively identified your delta source for
interview, I (for what it's worth) assure you of his
credibility and, really, you couldn't have found a better
guy to relay the accounts. Here's to "Steave"!
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Mark Bowden
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11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
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James R. Keller
|
Taylorsville, UT
|
11/21/97 11:22:14 PM
|
I lkistened to one of your audio and it had a SSG saying
that they would not hurt there own. This is a incorrect
statement. Not that he is wrong for beleiveing in but this
just shows that the Rangers did not know the Somalia's like
we did.
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:40:45 PM
|
There was an incident in Mogadishu earlier in the
summer where Aidid's militia allegedly fired on
some of their own people in order to create an
embarassing incident they could blame on the UN. I
don't know if it is true. Admiral Jonathan Howe,
the top UN official in Mog at the time says it
happened. On the other hand, as you will read
later this week, when the convoy returning Somali
prisoners encountered fierce shooting, killing and
wounding many American soldiers, the 24 prisoners
crammed on the back of a flatbed truck received
relatively few casualties. Remarkably so. It
suggests to me that the Somali shooters were
picking their targets.
MB
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|
Dr. Jim Soos
|
Tinton Falls NJ
|
11/22/97 10:20:28 AM
|
Worked with Delta guys during Iran. Was it true that Les Aspin ordered most of the heavy weapons stripped off most of the platforms (air and gnd) before they were sent over. Have heard those stories from guys in the field. Tks.
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:44:41 PM
|
Aspin turned down force requests for Bradley
fighting vehicles and the AC130 Spectre gunships,
a decision that was roundly criticized after the
battle. Many of the men who fought believe that
armor and the gunships would have saved lives. On
the other hand, Gen. Garrison testified before the
Senate that it is unlikely either armor or
gunships would have made a difference. Garrison
and other brass were clearly prepared to undertake
missions without them. There is a strong element
of Monday morning quarterbacking about the issue.
Aspin lost his position at Defense in part because
of the decision. The debate will be examined
further near the end of this series, and at length
in the book version of this story.
MB
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Bob
|
Philadelphia Pa
|
11/22/97 12:15:53 PM
|
Spent time with the 75th Ranger detachment in Vietnam. Your
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
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|
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Bob
|
Philadelphia Pa
|
11/22/97 12:17:56 PM
|
Spent time with the 75th Ranger detachment in Vietnam. Your
story brings out the spirit of elite troops as well as the
realization of war. No Rambo types, only men who have been
trained to win!
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:47:00 PM
|
Thanks
MB
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DeAnna Joyce Beck
|
Frisco, Tx
|
11/22/97 2:28:47 PM
|
When Casey died I was given a narrative of what exactly
happened that day, although it was not this specific. It
always made me feel good knowing that my husband did so much
that day to help his fellow Rangers. Thank you for letting
others
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:47:00 PM
|
I am especially happy to know that you appreciate
the story, DeAnna. I would like to talk to you
further. You can reach me at 215-854-2400. Thanks
MB
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DTD
|
newburgh,ny
|
11/22/97 8:07:44 PM
|
Mark why cant I view my other Q"s did you erase them!
I'am glad to see things are being portrayed as close to the facts as you can get them. Remember! When the going gets TUFF the TUFF go cyclic!!!
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:52:09 PM
|
I don't know what glitch ate your filings, Dave.
Sorry about it. Still waiting for your call on the
land line.
MB
DTD - The other postings are located on the pages labelled Round 1 and Round 2 of Q&A. We had to break up the string of questions to be kind to our readers' modems. Hope it isn't too confusing. - Online editor
|
|
lawrence field
|
phila. pa.
|
11/22/97 10:41:19 PM
|
why did president Clinton change the mission in somalia?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:52:09 PM
|
This will be addressed at length toward the end of
the series. In a nutshell: The UN was trying to
set up a coalition government in Somalia so that
famines like the one in 1992 would not recur.
Aidid and his clan were resisting the idea of
sharing power and had begun attacking UN troops.
So the Clinton administration was convinced to
sent Task Force Ranger to arrest Aidid and remove
his clan as a military threat. It was to enable
the nation-building effort. There was much debate
and dissent within the White House and Pentagon
prior to the deployment, but a landmine that
killed several US soldiers in August tilted the
decision in favor of taking down Aidid.
MB
|
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Steven Johns
|
Philadelphia, PA
|
11/23/97 12:08:41 AM
|
I too would like to know why and when the policy of passive
police action was changed to active military action? I've
always felt Somalia was never a vital national interest and
to have lost even one person would have been a travesty. To
have
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 5:56:46 PM
|
Again, keep reading. This issue is also addressed
at length in the documentary film on Dec. 2nd, 9
PM on Channel 12 in Philadelphia, WHYY.
Thanks
MB
|
|
AHAGEN
|
PHILA. PA.
|
11/23/97 10:27:03 AM
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COMBAT FORCES, BY DEFINITION, ARE SUBJECT TO DANGER AND POSSIBLE DEATH. OUR COLLECTIVE LACK OF RESOLVE TO COUNTENANCE LOSS OF LIFE IN ANY ARENA IS FRIGHTENING IN LIGHT OF THE NEW PARADIGM THAT CONFRONTS US. THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY ARE NO LONGE
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
|
|
|
A HAGEN
|
PHILA. PA.
|
11/23/97 10:35:53 AM
|
NO LONGER SUBJECT TO SIMPLE DEFINITIONS. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE "REACTIVE". CAN WE AFFORD TO ALLOW PUBLIC SENTIMENT TO DICTATE POLICY IN THE 21ST CENTURY? ARE WE LEARNING THE WROMG LESSONS FROM HISTORY?
ahagen@voicenet.com
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
|
|
|
thomas meier
|
collingswood.nj
|
11/23/97 12:26:03 PM
|
I have really enjoyed reading your series Blackhawk Down. Actually, I have a personal interest in the series because Staff Sgt. Daniel Busch is my cousin.
I was wondering if this series can be purchased in a book form? Please let me know. E-mail Eg
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:02:03 PM
|
I would like to talk to you or anyone in your
family about Daniel. Please call me at
215-854-2400. The series will remain up online
indefinitely. It will also be available in a full
reprint when it ends. Call 215-854-2931. The book,
which contained about three times more material
than the series, will be published in Fall, 1998.
Thanks
MB
|
|
Lucinda Fleeson
|
Kalaheo, Hawaii
|
11/23/97 6:42:47 PM
|
1. How the heck did you get those Somalia's to talk to you?
2. Is the movie contract signed?
3. Are you accepting congratulations?
4. Does the story have an end?
5. How are you?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:02:03 PM
|
Hi, Lucinda. Please call me at 215-854-2400.
MB
|
|
Steve
|
Washington
|
11/23/97 9:02:56 PM
|
I was a member of Bco 3/75 and was there for the mission
you are writing about. Please send me your direct e-mail
address so I can ask you some some questions in private
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
|
|
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Bruce
|
Cherry Hill, NJ
|
11/23/97 10:21:20 PM
|
Downloaded VDOLive player PPC3 and it shows a window "can't
run because SoundLib could not be found." Any suggestions? I
have Mac performa
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
You can call the online people at 215-854-5002. MB
Bruce - Sounds like your Mac is missing a portion of the sound installation software, or that part of the sound library is turned off. Take a look around in the "sound" section of the control panels, which is under the Apple icon. If you can't find anything turned off, try calling your local Mac expert. - Online editor
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|
Andrew Hall, 1SG PAARNG
|
Norristown, PA
|
11/23/97 11:31:23 PM
|
Mr. Bowden:
Your article has been very well written and engrossing. It is unusual to find such a well-written story in today's papers. However, and you know this has to happen, there is an inaccuracy that should probably should be corrected. Hummers
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:07:34 PM
|
Unfortunately, we did not get the correction. Your
message cut off before you wrote it, Andrew. Could
you resend it so I can make the fix?
Thanks
MB
|
|
Mark C.
|
Fairfax, Virginia
|
11/24/97 10:31:46 AM
|
Were any FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed)videos available
from Magic Warrior / Scout vehicle mission? Location Sword
base.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:07:34 PM
|
I don't know. I am unfamiliar with this
terminology.
MB
|
|
BOB GREENBERG
|
ALBUQUERQUE NM
|
11/24/97 1:25:49 PM
|
MARK, I UNDERSTAND YOU'LL BE AIRING A ONE HOUR DOCUMENTARY IN DECEMBER. IS THIS LIMITED TO 7THE PHILLY AREA ONLY? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF OBTAINING A COPY HERE IN ALBUQUERQUE? THANKS, BOB GREENBERG
EMAIL: GREENBERGB@58SOWGATE.IRK.AETC.AF.
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:07:34 PM
|
Details on obtaining a copy of the documentary will be available in early 1998. It will
air nationally at a date not yet set.
MB
|
|
stephen wisniew
|
villanova, pa
|
11/24/97 2:04:26 PM
|
I was wondering how long the series would last because I am
doing a presentation to my Army Rotc class on the events in
the series.
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:07:34 PM
|
As of now, the series will end Dec. 14.
MB
|
|
Lorrie Durant
|
Clarksville, TN
|
11/24/97 3:36:37 PM
|
Will you talk with my class online about your book?
Mike Durant is my husband - I teach 5th grade.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:07:34 PM
|
I would be honored to talk to your class, Lorrie.
I have sons in the fourth and sixth grades, and
they've been following the series avidly. I will
answer questions as they come in (although I'm not
on all the time), or perhaps we could set up a
live chat. I think that would work best. If you
want, call me at 215-854-2400.
Thanks
MB
|
|
Lorrie Durant
|
Clarksville, TN 37043
|
11/24/97 3:53:19 PM
|
Mr. Bowden - Thank you for your account of the Somalian
conflict. I have been engrossed- There is a question
about Yousuf dahir Mo'Alim pulling Mike from the
Blackhawk - how can that be? One of the D guys did that?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 4:27:09 PM
|
Randy Shughart and Gary Gordon helped Mike from the Blackhawk. He remembers them lifting him very gently and placing him on the ground. Yousef found him lying there.
MB
|
|
Chris
|
Arlington, VA
|
11/24/97 5:19:13 PM
|
You should tell the story about how McKnight's career was
ended by making him 1st Army's Rep. to the VA Nat. Guard. He
was constantly asking for more air support and didn't get
it.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:09:47 PM
|
I have tried to contact Col. McKnight without
success. I would like to talk to him very much. My
number is 215-854-2400.
Thanks
MB
|
|
Peter "Squigs" Squeglia
|
Boston MA
|
11/24/97 5:59:01 PM
|
Although I was with Bco 3/75 on the ground force 4 years ago
reading this story and seeing the pictures still gives me
butterflys! You have compiled probably the best story of
modern spec-ops ever. John Burns is now in Columbus GA, call
me to
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|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/24/97 6:09:47 PM
|
Thnaks, Peter. I'll call.
MB
|
|
Stan Jenkins
|
Omaha, Nebraska
|
11/24/97 10:04:01 PM
|
Mark,
I arrived in Mogadishia, Somalia on Aug 17, 1993, and departed Jan 31, 1993. I have just started reading your report and would like to thank you before hand.
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
You bet
MB
|
|
Delta John
|
Bragg
|
11/24/97 10:43:46 PM
|
Comment: Your work is becomming popular real fast we me and
the other "D-boys" at the compound; hard copy is being
brought in daily to give all the guys a chance to lood it
over. So far nothing but praise...
|
|
Delta John
|
Bragg
|
11/24/97 10:44:34 PM
|
Comment: Your work is becomming popular real fast we me and
the other "D-boys" at the compound; hard copy is being
brought in daily to give all the guys a chance to look it
over. So far nothing but praise...
|
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Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
Thanks, DJ, I really appreciate it. There are still a few of your men I'd like to interview for the book. If anybody's interested, please call at 215-854-2400.
MB
|
|
David Peters
|
Philadelphia, PA
|
11/25/97 2:22:40 AM
|
If this is not the most intense piece of journalism, if not
written word I have ever read, I can not imagine what would
be. Is a book forth comming?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
Thanks you very much, David. The book is to be published in the Fall of 1998 by Atlantic Monthly Press. This series represents only about a third of the whole.
MB
|
|
Col Mark Mondl
|
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
|
11/25/97 7:52:07 AM
|
Terrific article. We were at the Air War College when this
raid took place. We discussed it, but did not have enough
information. The article provided much needed light on this
aspect of military history - bravery and blunders. Thanks.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
I am very flattered. Thanks.
MB
|
|
John Plaster
|
Iron River, WI
|
11/25/97 10:50:29 AM
|
You've done a fantastic job. Why was this published as a
newspaper serial rather than a book -- the story of these
brave men deserves wide exposure.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
Very few newspapers are willing to undertake something as extensive as Blackhawk Down. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of the few. For a writer to be able to work on a salary and be paid expenses (like, for traveling all over the US to interview soldiers, travel to Mogadishu), doing the work for a newspaper is the best deal imaginable. Then, to be able to expand on the topic in book form ... well, it's hard to beat. The book will be published in the Fall of 1998.
Thanks
MB
|
|
John Plaster
|
Iron River, WI
|
11/25/97 11:02:28 AM
|
I'm now writing a history of sharpshooting/sniping from the
French & Indian War to today; FYI, the Medals of Honor
presented to the two Delta snipers, Randy Shugart and Gary
Gordon, were the first ever awarded to American snipers for
their ac
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
We lost the last few lines of your note, John. But thanks.
MB
|
|
GySgt Chad D. Moyer
|
Charlottesville, Va
|
11/25/97 11:26:56 AM
|
Mr Bowden,
I have read every chapter up to date, and I am very
impressed with your work thus far. The style of your writing
brought both tears to my eyes and sweat all over my body.
You see, I was there in the JOC, loading ammo, guarding
prison
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
Thank you very much Chad. The appreciation of men like you, who were there, is the best.
MB
|
|
JR
|
Lansdale, PA
|
11/25/97 11:29:17 AM
|
My computer does not easily down-load video and audio files. Why not make audio and video transcript info. available in text as well?? At least I would be able to read it.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
I'm afraid the labor involved in transcribing the tapes is more than the already heavily burdened online staff can handle. Most of what the soldiers have to say has been incorporated into the story. Still, it's cool to be able to let them speak for themselves.
Sorry
MB
|
|
TB
|
Norristown, PA
|
11/25/97 11:31:57 AM
|
You are realy milking this series for all it's worth. 30 chapters!!!! You can do it in half the time. It is just a tool I am sure, to drag it out and sell news papers. Let's cut through the chase!!!
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:25:39 PM
|
You are reading this online for FREE.
MB
|
|
JR
|
Lansdale, PA
|
11/25/97 11:35:01 AM
|
You left us hanging about what happened to Mike Durrant in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 hardly even mentioned him. When are we going to hear about his ordeal again?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Mike pretty much dropped out of the picture in Mogadishu, too ... for 11 days in fact. He does indeed come back, with a full account of his captivity and release. We've still got 120 soldiers stranded on the streets of the city and hunkered down around the first crash site. All of these events were occurring simultaneously, which, for a writer, presents narrative challenges. My only hope is that suspense will keep you reading.
Thanks
MB
|
|
PK
|
Philadelphia, PA
|
11/25/97 11:40:11 AM
|
An interesting series, how ever, you seem to trivialize the innocent women and children who are getting killed by U.S. troops. These are human lifes we are talking about. Were these soldiers held accountable for their actions and put on trial for m
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Much more about the Somali perspective is coming. I don't think we are trivializing these deaths. We are reporting about them in detail for the first time.
To my knowledge, no one from Task Force Ranger was investigated or charged with any malfeasance.
MB
|
|
JR
|
Landsdale. PA
|
11/25/97 11:43:51 AM
|
Are you trying to create heros for hawks and war mongers? Rambo revisited? War is war. Lives are destroyed no matter how you tell. These men were just following very ugly orders. Heros are the people who save lives not take them.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Just trying to tell exactly what happened. We think it's important for people to know.
MB
|
|
PK
|
Philadelphia, PA
|
11/25/97 11:48:41 AM
|
I just want to know if U.S . troops were held responsible for the women and children they killed? Write about how they fell as a murder.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Keep reading.
MB
|
|
Joe Sanchez
|
Springfield, VA
|
11/25/97 11:51:21 AM
|
Mark, great story! As a former Infantry officer, I can tell
you that you are capturing the essence of men under fire and
all that that entails. Keep up the good work!
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Thanks, Joe.
MB
|
|
Lorrie Durant
|
Clarksville, TN 37043
|
11/25/97 12:24:20 PM
|
A live chat with an author with be terrific! My
children would most benefit from this after a visit from
Mike - he has promised them a talk. How could we set
this up - I'm not too familiar with being online.
Thanks.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
I'm glad they will get to talk to Mike. God knows he can tell the story better than anyone. If you can, give a call to the Philly Online folk at 215-854-5002. They are excited about setting it up, too.
MB
|
|
Mike Statmore
|
Buckingham, PA
|
11/25/97 12:44:19 PM
|
No question. I just want to let you know how good I think this is. I am riveted to every story. It's the first thing I read. Thanks.
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Thank you.
MB
|
|
MAJ Jim Nagel
|
Alexandria, VA
|
11/25/97 12:48:09 PM
|
Great series--thanks for writing it. Thanks for letting others know about what those soldiers on the ground and flying above went through. When does your book come out?
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Thanks, Fall, 1998.
MB
|
|
Steve Meisel
|
Phila PA
|
11/25/97 12:54:03 PM
|
I am not questioning the efforts or bravery of the troops.
But, I am curious if, in the aftermath, anyone has
considered that the Rangers seemed more concerned with
rescuing their wounded/dead than success of the mission.
I am surprised by
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
I suggest you keep on reading.
MB
|
|
Mike Gailey
|
Ft Bragg
|
11/25/97 3:27:30 PM
|
Is there anyone in the Philly area who would be willing to
tape the PBS program on Dec 2nd for me? If so please e-mail
me at gaileym@soc.mil. Thanks
|
|
Harry Hurley
|
Atlantic City, NJ
|
11/25/97 4:01:19 PM
|
Mark ... My name is Harry Hurley ... I host the Morning Drive Talk Radio Program, "Hurley in the Morning" ... Mon thru Fri 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on WFPG Talk Radio 1450 in Atlantic City ...I am very impressed with your "Blackhawk Down" series ... y
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Thank you, Harry. We lost the end of your message. You can repost or call me at 215-854-2400.
MB
|
|
swami
|
St. Petersburg, FL
|
11/25/97 4:12:29 PM
|
Yo, Mark,
Dynamite series. Nicely done. Congratulations.
Cheers, Norton
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/25/97 4:38:17 PM
|
Thanks, Naugh. It was nice seeing you last week, even if only briefly. This one is, like, ten times longer than Rhino!!
MB
|
|
JIM KIERNAN
|
SOUTH AMBOY,NJ
|
11/25/97 4:48:05 PM
|
JUST CAME ACROSS THIS. OUTSATNDING/// IS THIS
BOOK IN PRINT, AND IN THE STORES??
KIERNAN17@AOL.COM
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/20/97 5:00:57 PM
|
The book is scheduled to be published in the Fall of 1998. A reprint of the Inquirer series can be ordered when it stops running. Call 215-854-4984. The series represents about a third of the book. MB
|
|
LH "Bucky" Burruss
|
Columbia SC
|
11/25/97 5:12:43 PM
|
Superb piece. Was in Somalia before and during US intervention. Some comments reflect - rightly so - concern about the loss of life. The lack of regard for human life by Aideed his fellow murderers is why the US had to intervene to begin with. TF Ran
|
|
Mark Bowden
|
|
11/20/97 5:00:57 PM
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Thanks. MB
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Bucky Burruss
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Columbia, SC
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11/25/97 5:19:31 PM
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Sometimes it is necessary to kill to stop the killing. (Remember WWII?) It's a very complex subject. The killing TF Ranger did was in self defense. It is a terrible thing to ask young men to do, but when this nation sends them into battle, they do it
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Mark Bowden
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11/20/97 5:00:57 PM
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Thanks. MB
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