Seriously wounded US Air Force colonel hid in Zagros crevice for 36 hours before daring rescue, officials say
Zagros Mountains, Iran (Our Hesperia) – A seriously wounded U.S. Air Force colonel, the WSO of an F-15E shot down in southwestern Iran, hid in a Zagros crevice for roughly 36–48 hours before a complex U.S. operation rescued him, officials said.
Key takeaways
- Shot down: An F-15E was downed in southwestern Iran; wreckage photos matched an F-15E and Iranian forces claimed involvement.
- Separated crew: The pilot was rescued within hours; the wounded WSO hid and activated an emergency beacon that aided recovery.
- Complex rescue: CIA tracking, deception, drones and special-operations forces executed a daylight extraction involving dozens of aircraft.
- Local impact: The operation has political, economic and social implications for communities such as Hesperia, California.
The crash and the search
What happened: U.S. and allied officials say an F-15E Strike Eagle went down in a remote, mountainous area of southwestern Iran on April 3. Photos of wreckage circulated and were identified by weapons experts as consistent with an F-15E; Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces asserted responsibility. (Sources: CBS News; ABC News)
The jet’s pilot ejected and was evacuated within hours. The weapons systems officer (WSO), a colonel whose identity has not been released publicly, was separated, seriously wounded and remained behind enemy lines. U.S. officials say he moved into steep terrain and concealed himself in a crevice while hostile forces and local fighters searched the area. He reportedly survived armed only with a handgun and an emergency beacon that helped narrow his location. (Reported times vary between roughly 36 and 48 hours.)
What the radio message and signals say
Before the extraction, U.S. officials said the WSO transmitted a short radio message that included the phrase “God is good.” President Trump and other officials later referenced the phrase in public posts. Media and officials emphasize that the exact wording and context remain based on official accounts and have not been independently verified in public documents.
“God is good.”
Intelligence and deception: the CIA’s role
Tracking and misdirection: U.S. officials credit CIA analysts with locating the injured colonel by tracking signals and equipment tied to the WSO. Reportedly, the CIA also helped execute a deception campaign inside Iran—spreading false reports that the airman had been recovered and was being removed—to draw search efforts away from the true rescue corridor. (Sources: ABC News; CBS News)
Military execution of the rescue
When commanders moved to extract the WSO, they launched a broad daylight operation involving dozens of aircraft, MQ-9 Reaper drones for overwatch, attack helicopters, armed aircraft and special-operations personnel to secure approach lanes and the landing zone. Drones reportedly struck hostile forces that entered an established safety radius. U.S. officials describe roughly 100 special-operations personnel staged for the mission; some media reports named specific units but those identifications were not publicly confirmed by the Pentagon. (Sources: ABC News; CBS News live updates; KOMO/King5)
Complications and skirmishes
Officials reported last-minute complications when two aircraft staged south of Isfahan became stuck; commanders redirected additional forces and reportedly destroyed trapped vehicles to prevent capture. There were also reported skirmishes with local tribesmen during the hunt and staging phases, increasing risk to recovery teams and complicating the operation’s timeline.
President’s reaction and public briefings
President Trump announced the rescue on social media, writing “WE GOT HIM!” and praising the colonel’s bravery. He said he planned a news conference with military leaders. The White House and Pentagon withheld earlier public statements to avoid endangering the ongoing recovery, U.S. officials said. (Source: CBS News)
What remains unverified
Core facts—an F-15E was downed, a colonel WSO hid in the Zagros and was rescued—are reported by multiple outlets. Other operational details remain unconfirmed in public records: the exact climb distance to the crevice, a reported $60,000 bounty, precise unit names involved in the extraction, and a full list of strikes and ground skirmishes. Reporters note such details are often withheld or revised as investigations continue. (Sources: ABC News; CBS News)
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Hesperia’s defense contractors and businesses serving veterans may see renewed interest as military procurement and survival-gear needs are reassessed. Federal spending shifts often ripple to Southern California suppliers.
Political consequences: For conservative audiences, the rescue may reinforce support for robust military readiness and decisive foreign policy, influencing local elected officials and voter sentiment on national security and defense budgets.
Social and cultural effects: With a sizable veteran population, Hesperia can expect ceremonies, prayer gatherings and veteran-driven events. The reported radio phrase “God is good” may echo through faith-based communities and local narratives of heroism and resilience. (Reporting note: the exact radio phrasing and context remain matters of official report.)
Practical applications for residents
- Veteran groups and civic leaders may coordinate support for the airman’s family and promote recruitment at nearby bases.
- Local officials could push for improved search-and-rescue capabilities and intelligence investments.
- Expect increased media attention and community events honoring the rescued colonel and rescue teams.
Sources and further reading
- ABC News: “Rescue of missing U.S. airman who was aboard downed F-15E unfolded over 36 hours”
- CBS News: “Missing U.S. crew member from downed fighter jet rescued in Iran, sources say”
- CBS News live updates: Iran war coverage
- KOMO/King5: Local reporting on the rescue and national response
Reporting assembled from Times Media Service summary of ABC News, CBS News and local coverage. Certain operational details remain unverified by U.S. officials in public records.
