The Iran Hostage Rescue Mission

On 24 April 1980, the US launched Operation Eagle Claw - a daring but ultimately disastrous attempt to free dozens of hostages held captive in the US Embassy in Tehran. The rescue mission ended in tragedy almost as soon as it began. Witness speaks to Mike Vining, a member of the US special forces team.

(Photo: Mike Vining (bottom right) returning from the failed mission. Credit: US Army)