Badly wounded U.S. Air Force officer climbed 7,000 foot Iranian ridgeline to hide after being shot down

Key Points:

• On April 2, a U.S. F-15E fighter jet, call sign DUDE 44, was shot down over Iran during a strike on industrial facilities linked to drone and missile programs, leading to a major search and rescue operation.
• Two Air Force officers, Alpha (pilot) and Bravo (weapon systems officer), ejected and landed separately in rugged terrain; Bravo sustained severe injuries including a broken back and had to evade Iranian forces while awaiting rescue.
• Iranian forces actively searched for the downed crew, with around 1,500 troops nearby, prompting a large-scale U.S. response involving nearly 100 special operators and extensive air support to locate and extract the men.
• Bravo was rescued nearly 50 hours later in a risky nighttime operation involving pararescue specialists and special forces, marking the first U.S. ground operation in Iran in 46 years; Alpha was rescued earlier the same day.
• The mission showcased the U.S. military’s commitment to leaving no service member behind, with extensive coordination, advanced technology, and combat search and rescue expertise, as recounted by Bravo and senior military leaders.