Operation Red Wings was a military operation carried out by United States Special Operations Forces during the War in Afghanistan. The operation, which took place in June 2005, was aimed at disrupting the Taliban’s activities in the region and capturing or killing a high-level Taliban leader.
The operation involved a team of four Navy SEALs: Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Petty Officer Second Class Matthew G. Axelson, Petty Officer Second Class Danny P. Dietz, and Petty Officer Second Class Marcus Luttrell. The team was inserted into the region via helicopter and began their mission.
However, the team’s position was soon compromised, and they found themselves in a fierce firefight with Taliban fighters. The battle lasted for two hours and careened through the hills and over cliffs. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALs continued to fight until the end.
Tragically, by the end of the battle, Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz had been killed. Luttrell was the only survivor, and he was rescued by a group of Afghan villagers who risked their lives to protect him from the Taliban.
After word was received of Luttrell’s survival, the bodies of Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz were recovered by Pararescuemen Josh Appel and Chris Piercecchi. Based on Luttrell’s descriptions of the area, Appel and Piercecchi returned to the site of the battle two days later and retrieved the remains of the fallen SEALs.
Axelson’s body was discovered a few hundred yards away from the initial RPG explosion, by a group of SEALs during a search and rescue operation and returned to the United States. He was buried with full military honors at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, California.
Axelson was a brave and dedicated member of the Navy SEALs, who gave his life in the service of his country. His sacrifice, along with those of Murphy and Dietz, will never be forgotten.
Operation Red Wings was a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by American soldiers in Afghanistan. The loss of three brave Navy SEALs is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. Their bravery and dedication to duty will always be remembered, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Were The Bodies Recovered In Operation Red Wings?
The bodies of the three fallen Navy SEALs, Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz, and Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Axelson, were recovered two days after the battle in Operation Red Wings. The recovery mission was carried out by Pararescuemen Josh Appel and Chris Piercecchi, who were guided by Marcus Luttrell’s descriptions of the area. Luttrell himself, alng with a local Afghan man named Mohammad Gulab, were also recovered by the Pararescuemen. The recovery of the fallen SEALs was a critical part of the mission, as it allowed their families and loved ones to give them a proper burial and closure.
Did They Ever Find Matthew Axelsons Body?
Matthew Axelson’s body was discovered a few hundred yards away from the initial RPG explosion on July 10, 2005, by a group of SEALs during a search and rescue operation. His body was returned to the United States and he was buried with full military honors at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, California.
Who Died In Operation Red Wing?
During the course of Operation Red Wing, which was a military operation conducted by a team of US Navy SEALs in Afghanistan in 2005, three members of the team were killed. These individuals were Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Gunner’s Mate Second Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz, and Sonar Technician Second Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson. The operation involved a two-hour gunfight that took place in the hills and cliffs of Afghanistan, during which the SEAL team faced significant opposition from Taliban fighters. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALs continued to fight until the very end, demonstrating remarkable courage and dedication to ther mission and their country.
What Injuries Did Axelson Have?
During the mission, Axelson sustained injuries to his chest and head as a result of being shot. These injuries did not prevent him from continuing to fight alongside his teammates. However, a rocket-propelled grenade struck Axelson, and he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
Conclusion
Operation Red Wings was a tragic event that saw the loss of four brave Navy SEALs – Michael Murphy, Marcus Luttrell, Danny Dietz, and Matthew Axelson. The mission was meant to capture or kill a Taliban leader, but it quickly turned into a fierce battle that lasted for two hours. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALs fought valiantly until the very end. The mission’s failure highlights the risks and challenges that come with operating in hostile environments. However, the heroic actions of the SEALs and the sacrifices they made will alays be remembered and honored. The story of Operation Red Wings serves as a reminder of the bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication of our troops who put their lives on the line to protect our country and its values.
