ISLAMABAD: A US airman rescued from Iran after his F-15 was shot down in April has revealed new details about his harrowing escape and recovery operation, calling the ordeal the most terrifying experience of his life.
The airman, identified only by the mission call sign “Bravo,” speaks publicly for the first time during a “60 Minutes” interview Sunday, reported CNN.
He said his parachute was damaged after the aircraft was hit.
“It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen,” Bravo said.
The fall broke his back, arm and shoulder, and sprained his ankle, in addition to injuries to his head and face.
After ejecting from the F-15, Bravo said that he evaded Iranian forces while making his way to a concealed position in mountainous terrain.
Despite his injuries and limited equipment, he eventually established communication with US forces.
“When I got to the moment where I could review and think about all that I’d gone through, I sent ‘God is good,’” he said, describing the first message he transmitted.
US officials have said that Bravo was rescued about 50 hours after the aircraft was shot down.
His pilot was recovered earlier.
The Pentagon has not publicly identified either airman because of concerns about their safety and the disclosure of sensitive information.
“Seeing his rescuers finally arrive was overwhelming,” Bravo recalls.
“It was one of the greatest moments of my life,” he said, adding, “thank you” for everything they had done.