The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) commanded at the time by Colonel Martin Berndt was chosen to conduct a mission for the rescue of Air Force pilot Captain Scott O’Grady, who was shot down in enemy territory during a peacekeeping mission over Bosnia.

Military leadership debated who would lead the rescue, but the Marine unit’s rapid deployment capabilities and extensive training made it the most qualified force. Marines secured the perimeter and Col Berndt’s Marines pulled O’Grady aboard the helicopter. Avoiding two shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, the unit landed safely on USS Kearsarge 45 minutes later.

Berndt’s leadership in preparing his Marines set an example for future military rescue missions.