An Air Force colonel, identified by his mission call sign "Bravo," has recounted his harrowing 50-hour ordeal after his F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, an experience he described as a testament to faith and the military's commitment to leaving no one behind.
Bravo was the weapons systems officer when an Iranian shoulder-fired missile struck the aircraft on April 2. The pilot, known as "Alpha," ejected safely, but Bravo's parachute was damaged, causing him to fall to the ground at an estimated 70 to 100 mph. The impact resulted in a broken back, arm, and shoulder.
Landing about five miles from Alpha in hostile territory, Bravo began climbing toward a ridgeline despite his injuries, knowing Iranian forces were searching for the downed airmen. Images of the wreckage had already appeared in Iranian media, and videos reportedly showed armed groups scouring the area.
"At one point when I looked up and saw no parachute, that was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen," Bravo told CBS News’ "60 Minutes." "So I paused, right then, and I prayed, ‘Lord, your will be done. But if I’m getting through this, I need help.’"
American forces launched a rescue operation for Alpha, who was recovered about six hours after the crash in a mission that involved helicopter fire. However, Bravo could not be immediately located. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, informed of the situation, stated, "Whether they’re alive or not, we’re going to go get them."
As night fell, Bravo managed to send a message indicating he was injured but still mobile. Despite the risks, military leaders decided against an immediate nighttime rescue, leaving Bravo to endure the desert conditions with limited supplies for another day. U.S. forces tracked both Bravo and Iranian teams attempting to capture him. The CIA implemented a deception campaign to mislead Iranian forces, utilizing classified technology to pinpoint Bravo's location.
Over 90 U.S. service members entered Iran on the ground for the rescue, the first American presence in the country in 46 years, according to U.S. Central Command leader Adm. Brad Cooper. Hundreds more supported the mission from the air, with thousands providing overall assistance.
The rescue involved two large search-and-rescue aircraft landing on a makeshift runway, followed by smaller helicopters reaching Bravo on the ridgeline. Upon reaching his rescuers, Bravo said, "Let’s go."
The operation faced further complications when the landing gear of the two rescue aircraft became stuck in the desert sand, stranding the more than 90 personnel. A specialized Air Force unit was deployed to extract the group. To prevent sensitive technology from falling into Iranian hands, the U.S. military subsequently destroyed the two stranded aircraft, valued at approximately $100 million each, along with the smaller helicopters.
Bravo was safely recovered about 50 hours after his aircraft was shot down, with the rescue concluding at sunrise on Easter Sunday. He described his survival as a "modern-day miracle" and attributed his ability to withstand the ordeal to divine intervention. The colonel emphasized that the story highlighted the teamwork, training, faith, and leadership involved in upholding the promise to "leave no man behind."