Who Is Randy Shughart? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on August 13, 1958, Randy Shughart was a notable figure in the United States Army, honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Known for his exceptional service, Shughart's legacy continues to inspire military personnel and civilians alike. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 67th birthday. His life story serves as a testimony to patriotism and selflessness, solidifying his place as a hero in American history.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1958 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Lincoln, Nebraska, United States |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Somalia |
| Date of death | 3 October, 1993 |
| Died Place | Mogadishu, Somalia |
Popularity
Randy Shughart's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Randy Shughart stood approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and had a well-conditioned, athletic build typical of someone who dedicated his life to military service. His weight was around 160 lbs (73 kg), composed of muscle earned through rigorous training and discipline. Though measurements specific to Randy in 2025 are not available, his lifelong commitment to fitness exemplifies the important physical standards upheld by the military.
"Sergeant First Class Shughart, United States Army, distinguished himself by actions above and beyond the call of duty on 3 October 1993, while serving as a Sniper Team Member, United States Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Sergeant First Class Shughart provided precision sniper fires from the lead helicopter during an assault on a building and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to intense automatic weapon fire and numerous rocket propelled grenades.
While providing critical suppressive fire at the second crash site, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure the site.
Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite being well aware of the growing number of enemy personnel closing in on the site.
After their third request to be inserted, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader received permission to perform this volunteer mission. When debris and enemy ground fires at the site caused them to abort the first attempt, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader were inserted one hundred meters south of the crash site.
Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader, while under intense fire from the enemy, fought their way through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew members.
Sergeant First Class Shughart pulled the pilot and the other crew members from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow sniper in the most vulnerable position.
Sergeant First Class Shughart used his long range rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers while traveling the perimeter, protecting the downed crew. Sergeant First Class Shughart continued his protective fire until he depleted his ammunition and was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot's life.
Sergeant First Class Shughart's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon him-self, his unit and the United States Army."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Randy Shughart was known to have a loving family. He was married to his wife, saying his vows before embarking on his courageous military career. Randy was a devoted father, balancing the demands of service with family life. While his immediate relationships are rooted in heartfelt connections rather than romantic pursuits, his enduring commitment to family reflects a deep bond of support and love.
Herbert Shughart, Randall Shughart's father, attended the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony at the White House, where he refused to shake hands with U.S. President Bill Clinton. He then proceeded to openly criticize the president, telling him, "You are not fit to be president of the United States. The blame for my son's death rests with the White House and with you. You are not fit to command."
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures for Randy Shughart's net worth and salary are not readily available, as a veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, it is reasonable to speculate that his service led to various opportunities posthumously, including public speaking engagements and memorial foundations. Nevertheless, his true wealth lies in the respect and honor he earned through his dedication and sacrifice for his country.
Career, Business and Investments
Randy Shughart's primary career was as a dedicated United States Army soldier. He served as a Special Operations sniper with the elite Delta Force, where he showcased exceptional skills and bravery. Following his service, several foundations were established in his name to support veterans and their families. While he may not have pursued traditional business investments, his legacy continues to positively impact the lives of many through charitable endeavors and educational initiatives honoring military service.
Mission commanders denied Gordon's request twice, saying that the situation was too dangerous for the snipers to protect the crew from the ground. Command's position was that the snipers could be of more assistance by providing air cover. Gordon, however, repeated his request until he got permission. Halling stayed behind to man a door gun as one of the helicopter's gunners had been wounded.
Social Network
Today, Randy Shughart's contributions to the military and his inspirational life story can be found across various social networks. His legacy is celebrated on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where military organizations and fans share tributes and stories dedicated to his heroism. These networks allow younger generations to engage with his legacy and learn about the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
There was some confusion in the aftermath of the action as to who had been killed first.
The official citation states that Shughart had been killed first but Mark Bowden, author of Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War, relates an account by Sergeant Paul Howe who heard Shughart call for help on the radio and noted that the weapon handed to Durant was not the distinctive M14 rifle that Shughart used.
Howe said that Gordon would not have given his weapon to someone while he could still fight. Durant acknowledged that he might have been wrong in his identification but was reluctant to push for the record to be changed since he was not sure. Shughart's body was eventually recovered and is buried in Westminster Cemetery, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Education
Randy Shughart’s education primarily took place through his combat training and military schooling rather than traditional academic settings. He was noted for his extensive knowledge in advanced marksmanship, tactics, and strategy, skills that served him well in his military career. As a member of the elite forces, his learning was continuous and hands-on, further sharpening his abilities and preparing him for critical combat situations.
Shughart joined the United States Army while attending Big Spring High School in Newville, entering upon graduation in 1976. After completing basic training, he successfully completed infantry AIT (advanced individual training), Airborne School, and in 1978 was assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Several months later, he completed a pre-ranger course (formerly known as SURT, Small Unit Ranger Tactics), was granted a slot to attend Ranger School, graduated, and earned the Ranger Tab. Shughart left active duty and went into the Army Reserve in June 1980.
In December 1983, Shughart returned to active duty and the following year attended Special Forces training. Shughart was assigned to Delta Force and was transferred to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in June 1986. As a Delta Force operator, he advanced to Assistant Team Sergeant.
