Watch: Videos show rescue of downed Air Force officers 2 days apart

Two U.S. Air Force officers, identified only by their mission call signs Alpha and Bravo, were rescued from behind enemy lines in Iran, two days apart, following their fighter jet being shot down. The rescue mission for Alpha took place eight hours after he ejected, with a force of 21 aircraft sent to retrieve him. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine explained that such a bold daylight operation was necessary due to the threat posed to Alpha.

Meanwhile, Bravo was rescued roughly two days after his jet was shot down, as captured in declassified footage showing two elite pararescuers apprehending the wounded officer on an infrared feed. Despite suffering from a broken back and other injuries after his parachute malfunctioned during ejection, Bravo managed to climb a 7,000-foot ridgeline to await rescue.

In his first-ever interview, Bravo expressed that witnessing his rescuers was among the most significant moments of his life. The rescue video was produced by Jane Greeley and Kaela Malig and edited by Scott Rosann.