During an operation in Mogadishu, a downed U.S. helicopter left soldiers in a hostile area with insurgents closing in quickly.  Shughart and his team leader volunteered to be reinserted knowing they only had a rifle and a pistol to protect themselves.  They were dropped one-hundred meters south of the crash site, worked their way through the urban terrain and reached the helicopter.  After establishing a perimeter to protect the stranded pilot and killing an undetermined number of combatants, Randall Shughart was killed by enemy fire.  His actions saved the pilot’s life.  

“This entire process has been a group effort.  We’ve worked with Cumberland County officials from start to finish because Shughart’s selfless commitment to his country and fellow soldiers deserves recognition,” said Shuster.  “Naming the post office after this American hero will be a reminder to the community of Randall Shughart’s brave actions when his nation called.”  

“It is fitting that the U.S. House of Representatives today commemorated the heroic actions of Medal of Honor recipient Randall Shughart,” Platts said.  “The unparalleled liberties and freedoms that all Americans enjoy would not be but for the selfless and courageous sacrifice of true American heroes such as Sergeant First Class Shughart.  We are forever indebted to him and all of our nation’s men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.  I was privileged to be a part of this effort.”  

The bill will name the post office at 57 West Main Street “The Randall D. Shughart United States Post Office.”  The naming is in honor of Shughart, whose courageous actions in combat cost him his life.  The central Pennsylvanian received the Medal of Honor for his service in Mogadishu, Somalia, where he fought under Special Operations Command in October of 1993.  His actions were highlighted in the movie “Blackhawk Down.”