Fiction/Historical Military
Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993: Lineages
eddie clay iii
2012
137 pages
Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993: Lineages is a fictional account of true events that took place in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. Author Eddie Clay III gives readers an inside look at the life of a Marine on a mission that begins as a humanitarian effort, but spirals into violent conflict.
In November 1999, Gunnery Sergeant Thompson “Gunny T” tries to catch a military flight back to his post in Okinawa, Japan. Gunny T meets with Petty Officer Barnes, who served with him in Somalia from late 1992 to early 1993. As the men talk, Gunny T learns that Barnes received a combat action ribbon for his part in a major conflict. in Mogadishu. Gunny T was also part of the Imminent Thunder mission, but his nemesis Captain Shaffner did not recommend him for an award.
The author tells the story of Gunny T’s deployment to Somalia in a flashback. Thompson, a divorced single father, volunteers to deploy to Mogadishu. He personally selects Corporal Ramirez, the best marksman in his unit, to deploy with him. Thompson and RamÃrez become close friends. Gunny T is on a personal mission to get the young corporal promoted. This objective leads Gunny T to butt heads with Captain Shaffner, one of the leaders of the Mogadishu mission. Captain Shaffner’s dislike for Gunny T increases while they are in the theater.
Clay describes Gunny T’s daily experiences in Mogadishu in vivid detail, including the deplorable living conditions of the Marines, periodic sniper attacks, and patrols throughout Mogadishu. The main objective of the patrols is to disarm the residents. The Marines are later tasked with gathering information on two wanted Somali men: a warlord involved in the 1991 coup against the Somali government, and a wealthy arms dealer. During intelligence-gathering patrols, Gunny T meets a wealthy Somali man, Mohamed Ali, who gives the sergeant important intelligence. When the warlord’s hideout is identified, Gunny Thompson becomes part of the mission to bring down the safe house. The result of the violent confrontation ultimately escalates the conflict between Thompson and Shaffner.
Clay’s account of the Mogadishu mission goes beyond the historical facts of the period. The author offers an intimate look at military life: the emotional and physical ramifications, as well as the role of politics in the service. In the midst of conflict with the warlord defenders, Gunny T is faced with the possibility that she may not live to see his child again. By highlighting the life of a Marine, Clay gives readers a broader perspective on military life.
Mogadishu Diaries 1992-1993: Lineages is a military novel with a surprising focus on the effects of conflict on the people who fight in battles.
Melissa Brown Levine by Freelance professional book reviewers