U.S. Air Force officer shot down in Iran says it's a "modern-day miracle" he survived | 60 Minutes

When an American fighter jet was shot When an American fighter jet was shot down over Iran this past April 2nd, not down over Iran this past April 2nd, not down over Iran this past April 2nd, not one but two US Air Force officers were one but two US Air Force officers were one but two US Air Force officers were left stranded, alone in a rugged left stranded, alone in a rugged left stranded, alone in a rugged mountain range being pursued by Iranian mountain range being pursued by Iranian mountain range being pursued by Iranian forces. forces. forces. To prevent their capture 5 weeks into a To prevent their capture 5 weeks into a To prevent their capture 5 weeks into a costly and unpopular war that has taken costly and unpopular war that has taken costly and unpopular war that has taken the lives of 18 US service members, the the lives of 18 US service members, the the lives of 18 US service members, the US military launched one of the largest US military launched one of the largest US military launched one of the largest search and rescue operations in its search and rescue operations in its search and rescue operations in its history. history. history. Tonight we begin our 59th season with Tonight we begin our 59th season with Tonight we begin our 59th season with how the mission unfolded. We'll show you how the mission unfolded. We'll show you how the mission unfolded. We'll show you newly declassified footage and you'll newly declassified footage and you'll newly declassified footage and you'll meet the colonel who lived through it meet the colonel who lived through it meet the colonel who lived through it all to tell us the story. When the US went to war with Iran this When the US went to war with Iran this past February, it was by sea, past February, it was by sea, past February, it was by sea, by land, by land, by land, but mostly from the air. but mostly from the air. but mostly from the air. >> Broadly, we had flown about 13,000 >> Broadly, we had flown about 13,000 >> Broadly, we had flown about 13,000 missions up to this point. We had we had missions up to this point. We had we had missions up to this point. We had we had air superiority, but clearly we weren't air superiority, but clearly we weren't air superiority, but clearly we weren't flying over Kansas.

flying over Kansas. flying over Kansas. >> Admiral Brad Cooper is the American >> Admiral Brad Cooper is the American >> Admiral Brad Cooper is the American commander-in-charge of the war. We asked commander-in-charge of the war. We asked commander-in-charge of the war. We asked him what brought the fighter jet to a him what brought the fighter jet to a him what brought the fighter jet to a mountainous area south of the city of mountainous area south of the city of mountainous area south of the city of Isfahan, close to where Iran had been Isfahan, close to where Iran had been Isfahan, close to where Iran had been keeping much of its highly enriched keeping much of its highly enriched keeping much of its highly enriched nuclear material. nuclear material. nuclear material. >> What were they doing in that area? >> What were they doing in that area? >> What were they doing in that area? >> Their mission that evening was to >> Their mission that evening was to >> Their mission that evening was to conduct a strike uh on the industrial conduct a strike uh on the industrial conduct a strike uh on the industrial facilities related to the both the drone facilities related to the both the drone facilities related to the both the drone and the missile program. and the missile program. and the missile program. Not related to the Isfahan nuclear Not related to the Isfahan nuclear Not related to the Isfahan nuclear facility. facility. facility. >> The plane's mission call sign was Dude >> The plane's mission call sign was Dude >> The plane's mission call sign was Dude 44. It was an F-15E, a type of two-seat 44. It was an F-15E, a type of two-seat 44. It was an F-15E, a type of two-seat fighter that's been a workhorse of US fighter that's been a workhorse of US fighter that's been a workhorse of US air combat operations for decades. The air combat operations for decades. The air combat operations for decades. The $30 million jet was brought down by a $30 million jet was brought down by a $30 million jet was brought down by a shoulder-fired missile that can cost shoulder-fired missile that can cost shoulder-fired missile that can cost around 100,000. around 100,000. around 100,000. Evidence of the wreckage was shared Evidence of the wreckage was shared Evidence of the wreckage was shared online by Iranian media. online by Iranian media. online by Iranian media. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was woken Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was woken Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was woken up Thursday night with the news. up Thursday night with the news. up Thursday night with the news. >> When you heard that an American fighter >> When you heard that an American fighter >> When you heard that an American fighter jet was down behind enemy lines in Iran, jet was down behind enemy lines in Iran, jet was down behind enemy lines in Iran, what went through your mind?

what went through your mind? what went through your mind? >> Probably >> Probably >> Probably uh you know, you always knew that was uh you know, you always knew that was uh you know, you always knew that was possible. And so, immediately it's to possible. And so, immediately it's to possible. And so, immediately it's to the next steps. You know, are they okay? the next steps. You know, are they okay? the next steps. You know, are they okay? Um does Iran know that? Um does Iran know that? Um does Iran know that? Uh and you know, Uh and you know, Uh and you know, whether they're alive or not, we're whether they're alive or not, we're whether they're alive or not, we're going to go get them. going to go get them. going to go get them. >> That day was just another day in the war >> That day was just another day in the war >> That day was just another day in the war for us until for us until for us until the moment where we got hit by an the moment where we got hit by an the moment where we got hit by an Iranian weapon. Iranian weapon. Iranian weapon. >> This is Bravo, one of the two officers >> This is Bravo, one of the two officers >> This is Bravo, one of the two officers shot down over Iran. shot down over Iran. shot down over Iran. Neither has spoken publicly until now. Neither has spoken publicly until now. Neither has spoken publicly until now. >> I think the >> I think the >> I think the best way I've been able to describe that best way I've been able to describe that best way I've been able to describe that moment was getting hit by a freight moment was getting hit by a freight moment was getting hit by a freight train. train. train. >> We've agreed to call the weapons systems >> We've agreed to call the weapons systems >> We've agreed to call the weapons systems officer by his mission call sign, Bravo, officer by his mission call sign, Bravo, officer by his mission call sign, Bravo, due to security threats from Iran. due to security threats from Iran. due to security threats from Iran. >> We do all we can to try to save the >> We do all we can to try to save the >> We do all we can to try to save the aircraft. It was evident that that aircraft. It was evident that that aircraft. It was evident that that wasn't possible, and sooner after we wasn't possible, and sooner after we wasn't possible, and sooner after we ejected and found ourselves floating ejected and found ourselves floating ejected and found ourselves floating over the heart of Iran.

over the heart of Iran. over the heart of Iran. >> So, within seconds you're ejecting. >> So, within seconds you're ejecting. >> So, within seconds you're ejecting. That's how quick the decision is. That's how quick the decision is. That's how quick the decision is. >> It is. I will be thankful to my dying >> It is. I will be thankful to my dying >> It is. I will be thankful to my dying day for my pilot and crewmate Alpha day for my pilot and crewmate Alpha day for my pilot and crewmate Alpha for saving our lives and ejecting us. for saving our lives and ejecting us. for saving our lives and ejecting us. >> After they ejected, Alpha and Bravo >> After they ejected, Alpha and Bravo >> After they ejected, Alpha and Bravo found themselves 5 mi apart, separated found themselves 5 mi apart, separated found themselves 5 mi apart, separated and alone on the ground in the rugged and alone on the ground in the rugged and alone on the ground in the rugged Iranian desert. Iranian desert. Iranian desert. Alpha landed safely. Bravo was lucky to Alpha landed safely. Bravo was lucky to Alpha landed safely. Bravo was lucky to be alive. be alive. be alive. >> My parachute was damaged in the >> My parachute was damaged in the >> My parachute was damaged in the the initial attack. At one point, when I the initial attack. At one point, when I the initial attack. At one point, when I looked up and saw no parachute. looked up and saw no parachute. looked up and saw no parachute. That was the most It was the most terrifying thing I've It was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. So, I paused right then So, I paused right then and I prayed. and I prayed. and I prayed. Lord, your will be done. Lord, your will be done. Lord, your will be done. But, if I'm getting through this, I need But, if I'm getting through this, I need But, if I'm getting through this, I need help.

help. help. >> While you're in the air? >> While you're in the air? >> While you're in the air? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is that almost like free falling or how >> Is that almost like free falling or how >> Is that almost like free falling or how would you describe that? would you describe that? would you describe that? >> Free falling is a good way to put it. >> Free falling is a good way to put it. >> Free falling is a good way to put it. Uh Uh Uh I wasn't focused I wasn't focused I wasn't focused on on on the speed at which I was falling. I was the speed at which I was falling. I was the speed at which I was falling. I was instead focused on trying to correct the instead focused on trying to correct the instead focused on trying to correct the problems that were in front of me and problems that were in front of me and problems that were in front of me and doing anything I could to doing anything I could to doing anything I could to unfurl or pull pieces of the parachute unfurl or pull pieces of the parachute unfurl or pull pieces of the parachute loose. loose. loose. >> We'll never know just how fast Bravo was >> We'll never know just how fast Bravo was >> We'll never know just how fast Bravo was falling. falling. falling. >> Get ready. >> Get ready. >> Get ready. >> But, we do know the military trains to >> But, we do know the military trains to >> But, we do know the military trains to survive hard landings. survive hard landings. survive hard landings. >> So, how fast do you think you were going >> So, how fast do you think you were going >> So, how fast do you think you were going when you hit the ground? when you hit the ground? when you hit the ground? >> Professionals, based on my description >> Professionals, based on my description >> Professionals, based on my description and the injuries that I had, the and the injuries that I had, the and the injuries that I had, the professionals think I hit the ground professionals think I hit the ground professionals think I hit the ground going somewhere between 70 and 100 miles going somewhere between 70 and 100 miles going somewhere between 70 and 100 miles an hour. an hour. an hour. >> How did you survive that? >> How did you survive that? >> How did you survive that? >> A modern-day miracle. >> A modern-day miracle. >> A modern-day miracle. I believe that it's a testament to God's I believe that it's a testament to God's I believe that it's a testament to God's provision in my life to bring me through provision in my life to bring me through provision in my life to bring me through that moment in a way that that moment in a way that that moment in a way that didn't prevent injuries, but prevented didn't prevent injuries, but prevented didn't prevent injuries, but prevented any catastrophic injuries that would any catastrophic injuries that would any catastrophic injuries that would have affected my have affected my have affected my ability to survive.

ability to survive. ability to survive. >> The fall broke Bravo's back. He also >> The fall broke Bravo's back. He also >> The fall broke Bravo's back. He also sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sustained a broken arm, broken shoulder, sprained ankle, and was bleeding from sprained ankle, and was bleeding from sprained ankle, and was bleeding from cuts and scrapes to his head and face. cuts and scrapes to his head and face. cuts and scrapes to his head and face. >> I had injuries, but >> I had injuries, but >> I had injuries, but we all train to adapt and overcome the we all train to adapt and overcome the we all train to adapt and overcome the things that are that we're faced with. things that are that we're faced with. things that are that we're faced with. I I I moved as quickly as I could despite the moved as quickly as I could despite the moved as quickly as I could despite the injuries away from the place that I I injuries away from the place that I I injuries away from the place that I I landed. landed. landed. >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me >> It's dark, right? And can you tell me what you what you see around you? what you what you see around you? what you what you see around you? >> It is dark, but much like early morning >> It is dark, but much like early morning >> It is dark, but much like early morning hunting trips, you know, the sun starts hunting trips, you know, the sun starts hunting trips, you know, the sun starts to come up and you can start to perceive to come up and you can start to perceive to come up and you can start to perceive elements of the environment around you. elements of the environment around you. elements of the environment around you. Iran is the size of Alaska, and in the Iran is the size of Alaska, and in the Iran is the size of Alaska, and in the heart of Iran, where we were, heart of Iran, where we were, heart of Iran, where we were, there are there are there are high desert valleys, but also amazing high desert valleys, but also amazing high desert valleys, but also amazing craggly cliffs. craggly cliffs. craggly cliffs. And so I find myself in one of those And so I find myself in one of those And so I find myself in one of those valleys with cliffs on either side. valleys with cliffs on either side. valleys with cliffs on either side. >> Bravo told us the safest place for him >> Bravo told us the safest place for him >> Bravo told us the safest place for him to go was up, so he quickly made the to go was up, so he quickly made the to go was up, so he quickly made the decision, despite his broken bones, to decision, despite his broken bones, to decision, despite his broken bones, to hike and climb up a 7,000-ft ridgeline.

hike and climb up a 7,000-ft ridgeline. hike and climb up a 7,000-ft ridgeline. Given your injuries, how did you find Given your injuries, how did you find Given your injuries, how did you find the strength the strength the strength to make it up the mountain? to make it up the mountain? to make it up the mountain? >> Never let a lack of motivation put you >> Never let a lack of motivation put you >> Never let a lack of motivation put you on Iranian TV. on Iranian TV. on Iranian TV. >> You were thinking that. >> You were thinking that. >> You were thinking that. >> Absolutely. >> Soon after the crash, an Iranian news >> Soon after the crash, an Iranian news anchor announced a bounty for the anchor announced a bounty for the anchor announced a bounty for the capture of the Americans. capture of the Americans. capture of the Americans. Videos emerged on the internet of armed Videos emerged on the internet of armed Videos emerged on the internet of armed groups hunting for the down crew. groups hunting for the down crew. groups hunting for the down crew. >> I can tell you for a fact that they were >> I can tell you for a fact that they were >> I can tell you for a fact that they were looking for me. looking for me. looking for me. >> According to US military sources, >> According to US military sources, >> According to US military sources, Iranian forces got to within a few Iranian forces got to within a few Iranian forces got to within a few hundred meters of Bravo. hundred meters of Bravo. hundred meters of Bravo. >> There was clear intent out of the >> There was clear intent out of the >> There was clear intent out of the Iranian ground force to come find those Iranian ground force to come find those Iranian ground force to come find those two guys. two guys. two guys. >> General Dan Cain is chairman of the >> General Dan Cain is chairman of the >> General Dan Cain is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a former Joint Chiefs of Staff and a former Joint Chiefs of Staff and a former fighter pilot himself. fighter pilot himself. fighter pilot himself. >> When you think about the risk of them >> When you think about the risk of them >> When you think about the risk of them being potentially trotted through some being potentially trotted through some being potentially trotted through some place downtown in Tehran on TV, that's place downtown in Tehran on TV, that's place downtown in Tehran on TV, that's not a fun thing for anybody. not a fun thing for anybody. not a fun thing for anybody. >> We were tracking Iranian forces like >> We were tracking Iranian forces like >> We were tracking Iranian forces like BBs. There were about 1,500 within a BBs. There were about 1,500 within a BBs. There were about 1,500 within a 10-mi radius, and we were watching them 10-mi radius, and we were watching them 10-mi radius, and we were watching them very closely.

very closely. very closely. >> 6 hours in, the US had its eye on Alpha, >> 6 hours in, the US had its eye on Alpha, >> 6 hours in, the US had its eye on Alpha, the pilot. the pilot. the pilot. This is declassified video of the risky This is declassified video of the risky This is declassified video of the risky daytime raid to pick him up. Two daytime raid to pick him up. Two daytime raid to pick him up. Two helicopters of the 21 aircraft deployed. helicopters of the 21 aircraft deployed. helicopters of the 21 aircraft deployed. Videos posted on social media showed Videos posted on social media showed Videos posted on social media showed American helicopters taking fire. American helicopters taking fire. American helicopters taking fire. >> It was gunfire >> It was gunfire >> It was gunfire all the way in and all the way out. But all the way in and all the way out. But all the way in and all the way out. But they got Alpha back and then we began to they got Alpha back and then we began to they got Alpha back and then we began to immediately I mean you're celebrating immediately I mean you're celebrating immediately I mean you're celebrating that Alpha's back, but you realize that Alpha's back, but you realize that Alpha's back, but you realize there's there's there's job's only half done. job's only half done. job's only half done. >> Bravo was still missing. Alpha's rescue >> Bravo was still missing. Alpha's rescue >> Bravo was still missing. Alpha's rescue force attempted to also locate him, but force attempted to also locate him, but force attempted to also locate him, but was unsuccessful and eventually was unsuccessful and eventually was unsuccessful and eventually withdrew. withdrew. withdrew. Then, as night fell on that first day in Then, as night fell on that first day in Then, as night fell on that first day in Iran, a message from Bravo. Iran, a message from Bravo. Iran, a message from Bravo. >> When were you first able to send a >> When were you first able to send a >> When were you first able to send a signal? signal? signal? >> As soon as I found a spot >> As soon as I found a spot >> As soon as I found a spot spot that I felt provided some spot that I felt provided some spot that I felt provided some concealment, I started working on toward concealment, I started working on toward concealment, I started working on toward communication. communication. communication. >> What did you say in that message? >> What did you say in that message? >> What did you say in that message? >> When I got to the moment where I could >> When I got to the moment where I could >> When I got to the moment where I could review and think about all that I'd gone review and think about all that I'd gone review and think about all that I'd gone through, I sent God is good I sent God is good as a recognition as a recognition as a recognition of all that he had brought me through.

of all that he had brought me through. of all that he had brought me through. >> There was a >> There was a >> There was a I'm hurt, I'm moving, and there was a I'm hurt, I'm moving, and there was a I'm hurt, I'm moving, and there was a God is good message that came in there. God is good message that came in there. God is good message that came in there. Now we knew he was alive, he's moving. Now we knew he was alive, he's moving. Now we knew he was alive, he's moving. Okay, let's keep planning. Okay, let's keep planning. Okay, let's keep planning. >> There was the thought of maybe going on >> There was the thought of maybe going on >> There was the thought of maybe going on Friday night uh first, Friday night uh first, Friday night uh first, but they're just it just didn't line up. but they're just it just didn't line up. but they're just it just didn't line up. That was a really tough decision. I'll That was a really tough decision. I'll That was a really tough decision. I'll never forget being in the situation room never forget being in the situation room never forget being in the situation room and saying, "Okay, I guess we're going and saying, "Okay, I guess we're going and saying, "Okay, I guess we're going to roll 24." Which means, "Hey, Bravo's to roll 24." Which means, "Hey, Bravo's to roll 24." Which means, "Hey, Bravo's going to be out there for basically 24 going to be out there for basically 24 going to be out there for basically 24 hours more." hours more." hours more." >> Bravo would have to survive with almost >> Bravo would have to survive with almost >> Bravo would have to survive with almost no water and no food in the wind and the no water and no food in the wind and the no water and no food in the wind and the cold of the high mountain desert for cold of the high mountain desert for cold of the high mountain desert for another full day. another full day. another full day. In the end, it was the CIA that played a In the end, it was the CIA that played a In the end, it was the CIA that played a pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged pivotal role, launching a multi-pronged campaign, which included deception to campaign, which included deception to campaign, which included deception to confuse Iranian forces and top-secret confuse Iranian forces and top-secret confuse Iranian forces and top-secret technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact technology to pinpoint Bravo's exact location. location. location. To clear the way for his rescue, To clear the way for his rescue, To clear the way for his rescue, American bombers and drones hit Iran's American bombers and drones hit Iran's American bombers and drones hit Iran's Revolutionary Guard forces nearby, as Revolutionary Guard forces nearby, as Revolutionary Guard forces nearby, as seen in this newly declassified video.

seen in this newly declassified video. seen in this newly declassified video. Nearly 2 days after Dude 4-4 went down, Nearly 2 days after Dude 4-4 went down, Nearly 2 days after Dude 4-4 went down, it was time to go in for Bravo. it was time to go in for Bravo. it was time to go in for Bravo. >> And how many special operators did that >> And how many special operators did that >> And how many special operators did that involve? involve? involve? >> That second operation had about 92 >> That second operation had about 92 >> That second operation had about 92 people on the ground. This would be the people on the ground. This would be the people on the ground. This would be the first US boots on the ground in 46 first US boots on the ground in 46 first US boots on the ground in 46 years. years. years. >> In Iran? >> In Iran? >> In Iran? >> In Iran. We had about several hundred in >> In Iran. We had about several hundred in >> In Iran. We had about several hundred in the air and there were probably 3 to the air and there were probably 3 to the air and there were probably 3 to 5,000 supporting overall. It was an 5,000 supporting overall. It was an 5,000 supporting overall. It was an operation inside an operation. operation inside an operation. operation inside an operation. >> So, in order to get out one, there were >> So, in order to get out one, there were >> So, in order to get out one, there were close to a hundred other service members close to a hundred other service members close to a hundred other service members involved in risking their lives on the involved in risking their lives on the involved in risking their lives on the ground. ground. ground. >> Well, I think what you need to know is >> Well, I think what you need to know is >> Well, I think what you need to know is we would have sent more to go get the we would have sent more to go get the we would have sent more to go get the backseat or backseat or backseat or >> I don't know the specifics of what they >> I don't know the specifics of what they >> I don't know the specifics of what they sent, sent, sent, but I'm glad they sent it. but I'm glad they sent it. but I'm glad they sent it. >> The force came in on two large search >> The force came in on two large search >> The force came in on two large search and rescue planes and landed on a and rescue planes and landed on a and rescue planes and landed on a makeshift desert airstrip. They then makeshift desert airstrip. They then makeshift desert airstrip. They then unloaded small little bird helicopters unloaded small little bird helicopters unloaded small little bird helicopters capable of reaching Bravo on the capable of reaching Bravo on the capable of reaching Bravo on the ridgeline several miles away. ridgeline several miles away. ridgeline several miles away. This is Bravo on the ridgeline waiting This is Bravo on the ridgeline waiting This is Bravo on the ridgeline waiting to be picked up. The Pentagon to be picked up. The Pentagon to be picked up. The Pentagon declassified this video of the rescue.

declassified this video of the rescue. declassified this video of the rescue. We asked General Keane to take us We asked General Keane to take us We asked General Keane to take us through it. through it. through it. >> Well, we're looking at a feed from a >> Well, we're looking at a feed from a >> Well, we're looking at a feed from a intelligence surveillance and intelligence surveillance and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance asset. That's 4-4 Bravo reconnaissance asset. That's 4-4 Bravo reconnaissance asset. That's 4-4 Bravo up there, I'm quite sure. And we've got up there, I'm quite sure. And we've got up there, I'm quite sure. And we've got two special forces folks coming forward two special forces folks coming forward two special forces folks coming forward and it looks like they're bringing him and it looks like they're bringing him and it looks like they're bringing him out. out. out. >> The two service members on either side >> The two service members on either side >> The two service members on either side of Bravo were elite Air Force pararescue of Bravo were elite Air Force pararescue of Bravo were elite Air Force pararescue operators known in the military as PJs. operators known in the military as PJs. operators known in the military as PJs. >> The moment a PJ showed up to me on that >> The moment a PJ showed up to me on that >> The moment a PJ showed up to me on that ridgeline was one of the greatest ridgeline was one of the greatest ridgeline was one of the greatest moments of my life and I don't know how moments of my life and I don't know how moments of my life and I don't know how to say it any more clearly than thank to say it any more clearly than thank to say it any more clearly than thank you you you for all that they did. for all that they did. for all that they did. >> What did your rescuer say when they got >> What did your rescuer say when they got >> What did your rescuer say when they got to you? to you? to you? >> The specific conversation I think I'll >> The specific conversation I think I'll >> The specific conversation I think I'll leave for another time as I don't want leave for another time as I don't want leave for another time as I don't want to release anything that's not just my to release anything that's not just my to release anything that's not just my story to tell. story to tell. story to tell. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. What did you say to them? What did you say to them? What did you say to them? >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Bravo was in American hands but not out >> Bravo was in American hands but not out >> Bravo was in American hands but not out of danger. of danger. of danger. Back at the makeshift airstrip, the Back at the makeshift airstrip, the Back at the makeshift airstrip, the rescue plane's landing gear was stuck in rescue plane's landing gear was stuck in rescue plane's landing gear was stuck in the desert sand and the planes could not the desert sand and the planes could not the desert sand and the planes could not take off. You had more than 90 service take off. You had more than 90 service take off. You had more than 90 service members on the ground that then needed members on the ground that then needed members on the ground that then needed to be rescued.

to be rescued. to be rescued. >> We had more than 90 of America's most >> We had more than 90 of America's most >> We had more than 90 of America's most elite service members on the ground and elite service members on the ground and elite service members on the ground and our focus at that point was to make sure our focus at that point was to make sure our focus at that point was to make sure we got them safely out. we got them safely out. we got them safely out. >> It took a clandestine unit of the US Air >> It took a clandestine unit of the US Air >> It took a clandestine unit of the US Air Force to get Bravo and the 90-plus Force to get Bravo and the 90-plus Force to get Bravo and the 90-plus special operators out of Iran. special operators out of Iran. special operators out of Iran. The US then bombed its own marooned The US then bombed its own marooned The US then bombed its own marooned aircraft so no technology fell into aircraft so no technology fell into aircraft so no technology fell into Iranian hands. Iranian hands. Iranian hands. 50 hours after being shot down, Bravo 50 hours after being shot down, Bravo 50 hours after being shot down, Bravo was safe, rescued as the sun rose on was safe, rescued as the sun rose on was safe, rescued as the sun rose on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday. Back home in the US, his wife waited for Back home in the US, his wife waited for Back home in the US, his wife waited for a call. a call. a call. >> What was that call like? >> What was that call like? >> What was that call like? >> I was really proud of her proud of her and grateful for the strength that she and grateful for the strength that she and grateful for the strength that she showed. showed. showed. >> Mhm. What do you want the American people to What do you want the American people to know know know about this rescue mission? about this rescue mission? about this rescue mission? >> This is not a story about what I went >> This is not a story about what I went >> This is not a story about what I went through. Instead, it's a story of the through. Instead, it's a story of the through. Instead, it's a story of the teamwork, teamwork, teamwork, the training, the training, the training, of the faith, of the faith, of the faith, of the decisions and leadership to do of the decisions and leadership to do of the decisions and leadership to do something that will live in history something that will live in history something that will live in history as an example of what America is willing as an example of what America is willing as an example of what America is willing to do in order to uphold our promise and leave in order to uphold our promise and leave no man behind.