On June 28, 2005, deep behind enemy lines east of Asadabad in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, a dedicated four-man Navy SEAL team embarked on a critical reconnaissance mission. Operating at an unforgiving altitude of approximately 10,000 feet, the SEALs—LT Michael P. Murphy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz, Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell—were tasked with locating Ahmad Shah, a notorious terrorist operating in the region.

Shah, who led a guerrilla group known as the “Mountain Tigers,” was a key figure aligned with the Taliban and other militant groups near the Pakistani border. The SEALs’ mission was compromised when they were spotted by local nationals who reported their presence to the Taliban, leading to a fierce firefight between the four SEALs and a larger enemy force of more than 50 anti-coalition fighters.

Outnumbered and outgunned, the SEAL team faced a relentless, well-organized attack that forced them deeper into a ravine. Despite suffering wounds, the team fought bravely, making leaps down the mountain’s steep sides to reach safer ground. Approximately 45 minutes into the battle, Dietz, the communications officer, attempted to place a distress call but was shot in the hand, shattering his thumb.

Amidst the chaos, Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism. Realizing that making contact with headquarters was impossible in the rough terrain, he moved into an open area, fully exposing himself to enemy fire to transmit a call for help. Despite being shot in the back and severely wounded, Murphy completed the call, providing critical information about their location and the enemy force’s size before returning to his position to continue the fight.

In response, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter with eight additional SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers was dispatched for an extraction mission. Without waiting for their heavily-armored attack helicopter escort, the Chinook entered the combat zone, where it was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, killing all 16 men aboard.

The SEAL team continued their desperate battle. Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz were ultimately killed, but they managed to take down an estimated 35 Taliban fighters. Luttrell, the lone survivor, was blasted over a ridge by a grenade and knocked unconscious. Badly injured and with limited resources, he evaded the enemy for nearly a day, crawling seven miles to safety. Local nationals found Luttrell and carried him to their village, where they protected him for several days despite Taliban demands to surrender him.

Luttrell was eventually rescued after a villager delivered a note to a Marine outpost, leading to a massive rescue operation on July 2, 2005. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery, while Dietz and Axelson received the Navy Cross. The 16 men who perished in the helicopter crash were awarded Bronze Stars for Valor.

Operation Red Wings marked the worst single-day U.S. Forces death toll since Operation Enduring Freedom began and was the largest loss of life for Naval Special Warfare since World War II.

The Connecticut Veterans Bulletin (CVB) is dedicated to preserving the memories of these brave men. Through articles and commemorations, CVB ensures their legacy lives on, particularly for their families, fellow SEALs, sailors, and their counterparts in arms. The sacrifices of Murphy, Dietz, Axelson, Luttrell, and the fallen rescue team serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of those who serve to protect our freedoms.

The Naval Special Warfare community reveres June 28, 2005, as a day of heroic efforts and sacrifices. CVB honors the memory of these men, embodying the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood and the true meaning of service before self. Their actions remind us that freedom is purchased at a high cost, continually defended by men and women of exceptional courage and character.