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US Officer's Ordeal: Injured Behind Enemy Lines in Iran
14 Sep
Summary
- An Air Force colonel was lost for 48 hours behind enemy lines.
- His F-15E jet was shot down by a missile inside Iran.
- He survived with broken bones after a parachute malfunction.
A United States Air Force colonel, identified by his mission call sign Dude 44 Bravo, has shared his harrowing survival story. The officer was shot down approximately 100 miles inside southern Iran in April during a mission targeting industrial sites. His F-15E Strike Eagle was struck by a shoulder-fired missile, causing the aircraft to be critically damaged.
During the ejection, the colonel's parachute malfunctioned, leading to a freefall and severe injuries including a broken back, arm, and shoulder. He spent 48 hours injured and alone in the Iranian mountains, evading search parties. He relied on his Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training to survive.
A massive rescue operation, described as one of the largest in US military history, was launched. This involved complex deception tactics by the CIA and the establishment of a makeshift landing strip inside Iran for Special Operations forces. Ultimately, the colonel was rescued on Easter Sunday morning.
The colonel emphasized that his experience highlighted teamwork, training, faith, and leadership, serving as an example of America's commitment to leaving no one behind.
