While providing critical suppressive fire above the second crash site, Shughart and Gordon learned that ground forces were not available to secure the site. Both men unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted, even though they knew that enemy personnel were closing in on the site. Because of enemy ground fire, they were inserted 100 meters south of the crash site.

Equipped with only their sniper rifles and pistols, Shughart and Gordon fought their way through a dense maze of shanties to reach the critically injured crew members. Pulling the pilot and other crew members from the aircraft, they established a perimeter, placing themselves in the most vulnerable position. Both men poured out continuous protective fire until their ammunition was depleted. Shughart was fatally wounded. Gordon returned to the wreckage to recover a rifle that had only five rounds of ammunition remaining. He gave this weapon to the pilot with the words, "Good luck." Armed with only his pistol, Gordon continued the fight until he, too, was fatally wounded.