Robert Callen MacKenzie SCR, BCR

Born: November 30, 1948, San Diego, CA

Died: February 24, 1995, Sierra Leone

Years of service: 1966–1967; 1970–1980; 1980–1981; 1981–1985; 1995

Awards: Bronze Cross of Rhodesia, Silver Cross of Rhodesia, MORE

Rank: Private first class (US Army), Captain (Rhodesian Army), Major (South African Army)

Battles and wars: Vietnam War, Rhodesian Bush War, South African Border War, Bosnian War, Sierra Leone Civil War

 Mackenzie was an American professional soldier whose career included service as an infantryman in the US Army during the Vietnam War, C Squadron 22 Rhodesian SAS, the South African Defence Force, and the Transkei Defense Force. In 1970, MacKenzie traveled to Rhodesia, and passing the rigorous selection course, enlisted as a foreign volunteer in the Rhodesian Special Air Service, where from then on until 1980, he rose through the ranks from Trooper to Captain and SAS Squadron Commander.

Decorations received during this time served with the Rhodesian SAS include the Bronze Cross of Rhodesia for "gallantry and determination in action" and the Silver Cross of Rhodesia for "conspicuous gallantry and leadership in action." When the Rhodesian Bush War ended with the Lancaster House Agreement, MacKenzie resigned from the new Zimbabwe National Army and joined the South African Defence Force as a Special Forces Major.

MacKenzie would later be killed in action in Sierra Leone where he was shot twice in the legs and once in the back. Intercepts of the Bandits radio revealed that they had taken MacKenzie's body.
MacKenzie, leading from up front with Tarawali and Lieutenant Andy Myers, came under fire from a bandit ambush. Tarawali was killed in the first volley, and an attempt to carry his body back was made. Fire was heavy, coming from the enemy hidden deep in the undergrowth. The SLCU dropped Tarawali's body and ran, actually trampling the Gurkha medics who were a little behind the command group. MacKenzie ordered that everyone should retreat and the senior Gurkha medic saw MacKenzie take two rounds through his legs and one through his back. MacKenzie dropped his rifle as Lieutenant Myers bent over him to give him assistance. This was the last anyone saw of either. Intercepts of bandit radio revealed that they had taken Tarawali's and MacKenzie's bodies, but there was no word on Myers. He would be later presumed dead at 9:00 on the 24th of February.