Army Sergeant First Class Randall David Shughart, 35, of Newville, PA, served as a sniper and assistant team sergeant with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment and Task Force Ranger. He was killed on October 3, 1993, during the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia (Black Hawk Down). After being inserted near the helicopter wreckage, the team fought their way to the injured crew, established a defensive perimeter and held off a much larger enemy force until their ammunition was exhausted. SFC Shughart was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.

SFC Shughart attended Big Spring High School in Newville and entered the Army after graduating in 1976. After infantry, airborne and Ranger training, he joined the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in 1978. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 1980 but returned to active duty in 1983, completed Special Forces training and was selected for Delta Force in 1986.

His widow said Randy’s example demonstrated that “if you say you believe in something, then your actions should reflect that belief.” He was remembered as quiet, hardworking, and utterly devoted to his fellow soldiers.

SFC Shughart was survived by his wife Stephanie.