“I wonder if the two ex SEALS nearby heard the attack and called in for permission to assist and were denied a few times as well before they said “screw it - we’re going to help”.”
That is EXACTLY what happened, except it was only Tyrone Woods, one ex-SEAL (the other ex-SEAL arrived from Tripoli later), and 4-5 others from the Annex who defied the two orders so that they could try to rescue those trapped at the Consulate.
“(the other ex-SEAL arrived from Tripoli later)”
Thank you. I had assumed the two ex-SEALS had been together. So the ex-SEAL coming from Tripoli makes it sound like a general alarm went off and was broadcast far and wide very early in the fighting, with only a few brave men heading to the battle.
Too bad the gunship commander also didn’t have the “F&*% it” attitude and help the guys on the ground.