6 takeaways from our interview with the Air Force officer shot down in Iran
Updated on: September 13, 2026 / 8:25 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- An F-15E jet, call sign Dude 44, was shot down over Iran in April, resulting in the stranding of pilot Alpha and weapons systems officer Bravo.
- Bravo described the missile impact as a 'freight train' and credited Alpha for saving their lives by initiating the ejection.
- Despite a damaged parachute, Bravo survived a fall estimated between 70-100 mph, sustaining broken bones and injuries.
- Bravo evaded Iranian forces for approximately 48 hours, climbing a 7,000-foot ridgeline despite his injuries.
- A U.S. rescue party extracted Bravo, with a clandestine unit of the Air Force ensuring their safe departure from Iran.
- The U.S. military bombed its own marooned aircraft to prevent it from falling into Iranian hands.
- Bravo expressed strong faith in his creator and the U.S. military, stating he never doubted his rescue.