Downed U.S. airman details God’s provision in Iran rescue

A U.S. airman rescued from Iran said it was God’s provision that he survived his aircraft being shot down in enemy territory. He shared details of the risky rescue mission in a Sunday interview with the CBS News program 60 Minutes. The airman was identified by his mission call sign, Bravo, to protect him from potential security threats. Bravo and his crewmate crashed an F-15E strike jet behind enemy lines after Iran shot the aircraft down in April. After the crash, Bravo used his equipment to send the message “God is good” back home, 60 Minutes reported.

While officials rescued his crewmate hours after the crash, they weren’t able to rescue Bravo until two days later, President Donald Trump said at the time. Over those two days, Bravo hid in Iran’s Zagros mountain range while managing broken bones in his arm, shoulder, and back, according to 60 Minutes. Bravo called his rescue a modern-day miracle.

How did the rescue happen? After his plane was shot, Bravo ejected from the plane, but the missile fire had damaged his parachute. He fell to the ground at a high rate of speed, breaking his bones, 60 Minutes reported. Bravo said he was terrified when he realized he had no parachute and prayed to God that his will would be done.

Despite his injuries, Bravo hiked up a 7,000-foot ridge to avoid being spotted by Iranian forces. He was equipped with a pistol, a communication device, and a tracking beacon, according to previous New York Times reporting. After two days of hiding, officials mounted a massive effort, including dozens of aircraft, to rescue him, according to President Trump.

Defense Department Secretary Pete Hegseth shared Bravo’s interview on social media, writing that “God is good.”

Dig deeper: Listen to Lindsay Mast’s report for The World and Everything In It as a retired fighter pilot details what it takes to make a rescue possible.