From Aviation Week:

The U.S. Navy Seal who fell from an MH-47 helicopter in Afghanistan survived that incident, but then died after fighting Al Qaeda forces single-handedly in a close-quarters pistol duel until he was almost out of ammunition.



An e-mail account from an acquaintance of the dead Seal, who had spoken with Seal team members and CIA operatives and recounted comments from senior Navy officials, has been largely confirmed by the Navy. Service officials say the account reflected the Navy's best knowledge, as of Mar. 11, of what happened to Petty Officer 1st Class Neil Roberts. However, it is not considered a full picture and the circumstances of the fight are still being investigated.

The MH-47 carrying Roberts was on final approach to the landing zone in the Shahekot mountain range (south of Gardez in southeast Afghanistan) when it came under fire. A helicopter crewman fell off the back ramp and was dangling by his tether. Roberts was pulling him in when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the nose of the aircraft. The projectile didn't explode, but the pilot started an evasion maneuver and Roberts fell about 10 ft. to the ground. The helicopter developed hydraulic problems and crash-landed about a kilometer away.

Roberts turned on his survival beacon and began firing and maneuvering against the enemy and attacked a machine gun. The Seal was shot several times but continued to fight for 1 hr. According to the account, Roberts had expended all his rifle ammunition and grenades and turned to his pistol. Video made from a Predator unmanned reconnaissance aircraft showed the sailor shooting with his pistol at very close ranges to the enemy. Roberts was dead by the time the enemy dragged him away, according to the Navy. Special Forces troops arrived about 2 hr. later and conducted a nighttime fight during which several Al Qaeda troops were wounded, two seriously, and Roberts' body was recovered.



I would like to say something eloquent here, but the only thing that comes to mind is the overused cliche, "proud to be an American."

This should be read out loud on every news program.