Wounded US Air Force officer climbed 7,000-foot ridge to evade Iranian forces
A badly wounded US Air Force colonel climbed a 7,000-foot ridgeline in Iran to evade Iranian forces after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down, according to an interview aired by CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” The officer, identified by the mission call sign “Bravo,” spent nearly two days behind enemy lines before US special operations forces rescued him in what US officials described as one of the most…
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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