The movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a gripping action film that brings to life the tragic events of September 11, 2012, when the U.S. diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA annex in Benghazi, Libya, were attacked by militants. The story centers around a small team of former military contractors who bravely defended the compounds and the American personnel inside. Directed by Michael Bay, the movie presents the intense combat these men faced, highlighting their courage and sacrifice. However, the true story of the Benghazi attack is more than just a dramatic battle scene; it reflects the bravery, resilience, and personal struggles of real men who survived the ordeal and went on to make a difference in various ways.
Real Events Behind the Film
The Benghazi attack began late in the evening of September 11, 2012, when armed militants launched a coordinated assault on the U.S. diplomatic compound. The attackers set the compound on fire, trapping U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and other staff members. A short distance away, the CIA annex was also under threat. Though they were only a small team, the CIA security contractors stationed at the annex made the difficult decision to rush to the diplomatic compound and defend those under siege, even knowing that they were severely outnumbered.
For 13 hours, these men held off waves of attackers, relying on their training, experience, and teamwork to protect lives. Sadly, four Americans, including Ambassador Stevens, lost their lives in the attacks, but the efforts of the CIA contractors prevented further casualties. Their story inspired the movie 13 Hours, which was based on the book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi, co-written by some of the men who survived.
Heroes Who Survived
Several of the security contractors who defended the compound survived the attack, each bringing their unique skills to the fight and each going on to lead important lives afterward. Here are some of the main figures who not only lived through the battle but have continued to honor the experience and advocate for others.
Mark “Oz” Geist
Mark Geist, known as “Oz,” was a former Marine who played a key role in defending the compound. Despite being wounded by shrapnel in his arm, he continued fighting alongside his teammates. His injuries were severe, but his determination to help save lives was unwavering. After the events in Benghazi, Mark co-founded the Shadow Warriors Project, an organization focused on providing support to military contractors and their families who face hardship or injury. His foundation highlights the struggles contractors face and advocates for better resources for them. Mark continues to speak about his experiences and the lessons he learned from that night, emphasizing bravery and dedication to one’s team.
Kris “Tanto” Paronto
Kris Paronto, known as “Tanto,” is a former Army Ranger who was also part of the CIA annex security team. In the movie, he is portrayed as a fearless and determined fighter, and his real-life actions reflect that same courage. After Benghazi, Kris became a public speaker, sharing his story and teaching about resilience and the bonds forged through shared hardships. He also wrote several books, including The Ranger Way: Living the Code On and Off the Battlefield, where he details the principles that guided him during the attack and throughout his life. Paronto’s commitment to speaking out has helped raise awareness about the unique role contractors play in dangerous zones, showing the public a side of military life that is often overlooked.
John “Tig” Tiegen
John Tiegen, or “Tig,” is a former Marine who fought alongside the team with remarkable courage. Like his colleagues, Tig went on to advocate for military and contractor issues. He often participates in events that support veterans, and he is active in discussing security policies that affect contractors. Tig’s life after Benghazi has been dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made that night and ensuring people remember what happened in Benghazi. He has also been involved in political advocacy, seeking to make changes that will better protect Americans working in dangerous international roles.
Dave “D.B.” Benton
Although not portrayed in the movie, Dave Benton, known as “D.B.,” was one of the actual CIA contractors present during the attacks. A former Navy SEAL, Benton fought alongside the team and later co-authored the book 13 Hours. Though he is not as publicly active as some of his colleagues, his involvement in sharing the Benghazi story has helped keep the memory of the attack alive and served as an important reminder of the dangers faced by those in similar roles.
While 13 Hours focuses on a few key figures, other members of the security team, like Jack Silva (a pseudonym) and David Ubben (known as “Boon”), also played significant roles in defending the compound. Their stories are less public, but they also contributed to the fight and faced intense challenges during the attack.
For these men, surviving the Benghazi attack was just the beginning of a difficult journey. Many dealt with physical and emotional trauma, particularly as they struggled with the memories of that night and the loss of their colleagues. Some faced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and found it challenging to reintegrate into civilian life. However, they turned these difficulties into advocacy and action. Each survivor went on to speak out about the unique challenges contractors face, calling for better protections and benefits for contractors and veterans alike.
The movie 13 Hours captures only a portion of their story. While it portrays the combat, intensity, and heroism of the night, it’s the real-life actions of these men afterward that truly honor their experience. By sharing their story, they remind the world of the sacrifices made by those serving in dangerous areas and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi serves as both a thrilling movie and a tribute to the real men who fought to protect American lives in Benghazi. Beyond the big screen, Mark Geist, Kris Paronto, John Tiegen, and their colleagues have continued to live out their mission of service by helping others, raising awareness about the risks contractors face, and honoring those who did not survive. Their story reminds us of the strength, resilience, and courage it takes to face overwhelming odds, and the enduring impact of that one night on their lives and on American history.
