U.S. Reveals Video Of Major Iran Rescue For Downed F-15E Crew
The U.S. military on Wednesday released video of a major April rescue in Iran that recovered an injured airman after his F-15E was shot down, officials said.[1]
The footage shows U.S. bombers and drones striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps positions near the downed airman as helicopters and pararescue operators closed in to extract him.[1]
The F-15E Strike Eagle, call sign Dude 44, was shot down over Iran by a shoulder-fired missile in April 2026.[1] Its weapons systems officer, call sign Dude44 Bravo, suffered multiple fractures and remained stranded inside Iran for nearly 50 hours before the extraction.[1]
On April 5, 92 U.S. personnel were on the ground during the rescue, supported by thousands more across the theater, the newly released video shows.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- The F-15E Strike Eagle, call sign Dude 44, was shot down over Iran by a shoulder-fired missile in April 2026.
- The weapons systems officer, Dude44 Bravo, suffered multiple fractures and remained stranded in Iran for nearly 50 hours.
- On April 5, 2026, 92 U.S. personnel were on the ground in Iran during the rescue, supported by thousands more across the theater.
- Newly released video shows U.S. bombers and drones striking Iranian Revolutionary Guard elements near the downed airman as helicopters and pararescue operators closed in.
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