Captain Mitch Nelson was a U.S. Army officer who led a Special Forces team in Afghanistan shortly after the September 11 attacks. His story was popularized in the film “12 Strong,” which depicts the true events of Operational Detachment Alpha 595’s mission to assist anti-Taliban forces.
In more detail, Captain Mitch Nelson, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the movie “12 Strong,” is based on the real-life Special Forces officer Mark Nutsch. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Nelson’s team, Operational Detachment Alpha 595, was one of the first U.S. military units deployed to Afghanistan. Their mission, known as Task Force Dagger, was to link up with the Northern Alliance, led by General Abdul Rashid Dostum, and coordinate military efforts to overthrow the Taliban regime.
The team faced significant challenges due to the rugged terrain, limited intelligence, and the need to adapt to unconventional warfare tactics. Despite these obstacles, Nelson and his team successfully worked alongside the Northern Alliance, using their skills in combat, strategy, and diplomacy to call in airstrikes and conduct ground assaults that were crucial in capturing key cities and ultimately, the capital, Kabul.
The success of Nelson’s team was a significant early victory in the War in Afghanistan and demonstrated the effectiveness of Special Forces units working in collaboration with local forces. The operation also highlighted the bravery and skill of the U.S. soldiers and their Northern Alliance allies in the face of a formidable enemy. After his return from Afghanistan, Nelson continued his military career and his actions, along with those of his team, have been recognized as an important part of U.S. military history.