Air Force colonel shot down over Iran reveals desperate prayer in 50-hour fight to survive

An Air Force colonel survived a 70-100 mph parachute fall into Iran with three broken bones and evaded enemy capture for 50 harrowing hours.

Air Force colonel shot down over Iran reveals desperate prayer in 50-hour fight to survive

TL;DR

  • An Air Force colonel, "Bravo," survived ejection from an F-15E after it was hit by an Iranian missile.
  • His parachute was damaged, causing him to fall at 70-100 mph and sustain three broken bones.
  • Bravo evaded Iranian forces for 50 hours in hostile territory, relying on prayer and strategic movement.
  • A complex U.S. rescue mission, including ground troops and specialized aircraft, was launched to recover the downed aviators.
  • The rescue operation faced challenges, including enemy fire and the stranding of rescue aircraft, but successfully brought both pilots home.
  • Bravo described his survival as a "modern-day miracle" and a testament to teamwork, faith, and American resolve.