'A modern-day miracle': US airman shot down over Iran recounts survival, rescue on 60 Minutes

On April 3, two U.S. airmen found themselves in a harrowing situation after their F-15 was struck by an Iranian weapon. The pilot, known only by his mission callsign "Bravo," recounted his harrowing experience on CBS's 60 Minutes. He described the moment of impact as feeling like being hit by a freight train. Despite the destruction of the aircraft and his ejection seat, Bravo's determination and faith kept him going.

Immediately after the crash, he broke his back, arm, and shoulder, suffered a sprained ankle, and endured painful lesions on his head and face from the hard landing. As feared by Iranian forces, the crew was almost within a few hundred meters of Bravo, but he managed to evade capture. He managed to establish communication with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and worked tirelessly to evade capture while signaling for help.

The rescue operation, one of the largest in U.S. military history, finally succeeded, and Bravo was rescued by pararescue specialists. He expressed his gratitude for the support of his fellow service members and described his rescue as a "modern-day miracle," attributing his survival to divine intervention. Despite his injuries, Bravo remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and uphold his promise to return home to America.