Operation Eagle Claw

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State:

Branch of Service: United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps

Rank:

Operation Eagle Claw, was a United States Armed Forces operation ordered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter to attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis by rescuing 52 embassy staff held captive at the Embassy of the United States in Tehran, Iran.

The operation, one of Delta Force’s first, encountered many obstacles and was eventually aborted. As the U.S. force prepared to withdraw, one of the helicopters crashed into a transport aircraft which contained both servicemen and jet fuel. The resulting fire destroyed both aircraft and killed eight servicemen.

Age:

Date of Death: April 24, 1980