Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw was a U.S. military mission in 1980 aimed at rescuing 52 American hostages held in Iran. It involved multiple aircraft, including helicopters and transport planes, attempting to land and extract the hostages from a desert location. The operation faced severe challenges due to mechanical issues, difficult terrain, and coordination problems, leading to its failure and one fatal crash. The experience prompted military reevaluation and improvements in joint operations planning. Ultimately, the hostages were released shortly after, but the operation's failure highlighted the need for better coordination in complex military missions.