Operation Eagle Claw

April 24–25, 1980 · Tehran

US special forces tried to rescue American hostages held at the embassy in Tehran. The mission failed in the desert after helicopter breakdowns and a collision that killed eight servicemen.

On the map Contemporaries

United States

Iran

Other

United States

Iran

Jimmy Carter participant

James B. Vaught participant

Strength and losses

Killed: 8
Wounded: 4
Aircraft captured: 6

Civilian deaths: 1 disputed

Units

Delta Force Joint Special Operations Command United States Army Special Forces 75th Ranger Regiment 24th Special Tactics Squadron

Carrier Air Wing Eight

Also involved 2

Peter Schoomaker participant · United States
William G. Boykin participant · United States