Air Force officer shot down in Iran on surviving behind enemy lines
In an extended interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Norah O'Donnell, Bravo, an Air Force colonel, provided new details about his fight to survive behind enemy lines in Iran, and the rescue operation that brought him and crewmate "Alpha" back home.
Colonel Bravo, an F-15E US Air Force officer, survived after his fighter jet was shot down in Iran in early April 2026. Ejected from the aircraft, Bravo found himself separated from the pilot by about 5 miles. With multiple injuries, Bravo trekked for two days through Iran's mountains to evade enemy forces, relying on his faith and the provision of God.
Bravo's parachute was damaged upon impact, causing a dangerous 70-100 mph fall. Despite extensive injuries, including a broken back, arm, shoulder, sprained ankle, and cuts to his face, Bravo quickly moved away from the crash site to ensure his survival. US special operations forces eventually rescued Bravo in what US officials called one of the most complex military search-and-rescue missions in recent history.
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