U.S. Air Force Officer Shot Down in Iran Says He Prayed While 'Free-Falling' to the Ground Behind Enemy Lines
Updated on: September 13, 2026 / 7:59 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- An Air Force officer (Bravo) survived after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iran.
- His parachute was damaged during ejection, leading to a hard landing with multiple broken bones.
- Bravo hid and evaded Iranian forces for two days in a remote desert area.
- The U.S. military conducted a complex, multi-day rescue operation, including a daytime raid to extract the pilot (Alpha) and a nighttime mission for Bravo.
- The rescue involved hundreds of U.S. service members and significant logistical and intelligence support, including a CIA deception campaign.
- Despite challenges, including stranded rescue aircraft, Bravo was safely extracted 50 hours after being shot down.