Helicopters carrying dozens of elite Army Rangers race over the rugged landscape.

WHITEHOUSE: Medal of Honor for Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry

In May 2008, Sgt Petry's unit of elite Army rangers approached a house in Paktia province in eastern Afghanistan which intelligence suggested held high-value al-Qaeda officials, the US military said.

BBC: Afghanistan veteran Leroy Petry given US Medal of Honor

But by the end of the 16-hour battle in which commandos tried to seize several of Aidid's top lieutenants, 18 elite Army Rangers and hundreds of Somalis lay dead in the streets of Mogadishu.

CNN: U.S. supported France's failed hostage rescue in Somalia