Air Force colonel shot down over Iran reveals desperate prayer in 50-hour fight to survive

An Air Force colonel, known as “Bravo,” survived an F-15E Strike Eagle being shot down over Iran, enduring a dangerous parachute fall with damaged equipment. He spent 50 hours evading Iranian forces in enemy territory with multiple broken bones. A large-scale U.S. rescue operation, involving over 90 service members on the ground, ultimately extracted Bravo and his fellow pilot.

• An Air Force colonel, “Bravo,” survived ejection from an F-15E after it was hit by an Iranian missile.
• His parachute was damaged, causing him to fall at 70-100 mph and sustain three broken bones.
• Bravo evaded Iranian forces for 50 hours in hostile territory, relying on prayer and strategic movement.
• A complex U.S. rescue mission, including ground troops and specialized aircraft, was launched to recover the downed aviators.
• The rescue operation faced challenges, including enemy fire and the stranding of rescue aircraft, but successfully brought both pilots home.
• Bravo described his survival as a “modern-day miracle” and a testament to teamwork, faith, and American resolve.