Declassified footage reveals daring daylight rescues of two downed U.S. airmen in Iran

Declassified video material now available to the public depicts the rescue operations for two U.S. Air Force officers, referred to as Alpha and Bravo, after their fighter was downed over Iran. Alpha was recovered during a risky daylight mission eight hours after ejection, with a fleet of 21 aircraft dispatched to the area. Two days later, infrared footage shows elite pararescuers reaching Bravo, who had endured a broken back and a torn parachute, and carrying him to a waiting helicopter.

The officers landed about five miles apart in a mountainous zone south of Isfahan, while Iranian forces pursued them and placed bounties on their heads. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine explained the decision to conduct a daylight rescue despite the danger. Bravo later described the moment of rescue as one of the greatest in his life.