Ross Perot & The Daring Iran Hostage Rescue: A True Story

**In the tumultuous late 1970s, as the world watched the Iranian Revolution unfold, a dramatic tale of corporate loyalty and daring rescue emerged, forever cementing the legendary status of American billionaire H. Ross Perot. This isn't just a story about a business magnate; it's a testament to unwavering commitment, a narrative that intertwines with the broader geopolitical anxieties of the time, including the looming specter of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis that would grip the United States.** It highlights Perot's willingness to support his people, underscored by a rescue of two EDS employees in Iran, an event that became a defining moment in his public life and a vivid example of his "get things done" philosophy. The saga of Ross Perot's extraordinary efforts to free his employees from an Iranian prison is a powerful illustration of leadership under duress. It’s a story of a man who, when faced with an intractable diplomatic problem, decided to take matters into his own hands, assembling a private commando team to accomplish what governments could not. This incredible episode, often recounted in nearly every account of Ross Perot's life, showcased his unique blend of determination, resourcefulness, and deep personal responsibility, setting a high bar for corporate leadership.

Table of Contents

• The Unfolding Crisis: Iran in 1978
• The Capture of EDS Executives
• Ross Perot: A Maverick's Profile
• Early Life and Business Acumen
• Philanthropic Endeavors and Public Service
• Diplomacy Fails: Perot Takes Action
• Assembling the Elite Team: "On the Wings of Eagles"
• Training and Strategy
• The Perilous Rescue Mission in Tehran
• The Aftermath: A Legacy of Courage
• Perot's Broader Impact and Philanthropy
• Beyond Iran: Perot's Enduring Influence

The Unfolding Crisis: Iran in 1978

The year 1978 marked a pivotal moment in Iranian history, with widespread unrest escalating into a full-blown revolution that would fundamentally alter the geopolitical landscape. The Pahlavi dynasty, led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was crumbling under the weight of popular discontent, fueled by economic grievances, social repression, and a strong anti-Western sentiment. As the country descended into chaos, foreign businesses and their employees found themselves in increasingly precarious positions. Infrastructure was crumbling, and stability was a rapidly diminishing commodity. This volatile environment set the stage for an incident that would test the resolve of one of America's most unconventional businessmen. Electronic Data Systems (EDS), Ross Perot's burgeoning technology company, had a significant presence in Iran, working on a large-scale computerization project for the Iranian social security system. This project, while crucial for the Iranian government, became a high-stakes gamble as the revolution intensified. The work was slowed by a lack of infrastructure in Iran and rising instability, making the operating environment exceedingly challenging for EDS employees.

The Capture of EDS Executives

Amidst this growing turmoil, two EDS executives, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gaylord, found themselves caught in the crossfire. In December 1978, they were arrested by Iranian authorities on trumped-up charges related to the EDS contract, accused of bribery and embezzlement. Their detention was a clear signal of the deteriorating conditions and the increasing hostility towards foreign nationals. Bail was set at an exorbitant US$13 million (90 million Iranian Toman), an impossible sum to secure quickly in the revolutionary climate. The detention of Chiapparone and Gaylord was not an isolated incident but a symptom of the broader anti-American sentiment that would soon lead to the infamous 1979 Iran hostage crisis, which saw 52 American embassy workers held captive. While Perot's men were captured almost a full year before the embassy takeover, their plight underscored the dangers faced by Americans in Iran and foreshadowed the larger diplomatic nightmare that would soon unfold. For Ross Perot, however, this was not a distant geopolitical problem; it was a personal affront and a direct threat to his people.

Ross Perot: A Maverick's Profile

H. Ross Perot was a figure larger than life, a self-made billionaire whose career was marked by audacious business ventures, an unconventional leadership style, and a deep sense of patriotism. Born in Texarkana, Texas, in 1930, Perot's journey from a humble background to immense wealth and national prominence is a classic American success story. His distinctive voice, folksy demeanor, and no-nonsense approach endeared him to many, even as his maverick tendencies sometimes put him at odds with the establishment.

Early Life and Business Acumen

Perot's early life was defined by discipline and ambition. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he served in the Navy before embarking on a career in sales at IBM. Frustrated by the bureaucratic constraints of a large corporation, Perot famously struck out on his own in 1962, founding Electronic Data Systems (EDS). He recognized the nascent potential of data processing services, a vision that was ahead of its time. EDS quickly grew into a powerhouse, revolutionizing how large organizations managed their data. Perot's relentless drive and innovative spirit transformed EDS into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, making him one of America's wealthiest individuals. His business philosophy was simple: get things done, and take care of your people. This philosophy would be put to the ultimate test during the Iran hostage situation.

Philanthropic Endeavors and Public Service

Beyond his business acumen, Ross Perot was a dedicated philanthropist and a vocal advocate for various causes. In 1969, he started the Perot Foundation, which became active in many philanthropic and civic areas. His generosity extended to education, healthcare, and particularly, veterans' affairs. Perot's efforts on behalf of veterans came in ways big and small. In an example repeated countless times over, Mr. Perot was there for Sgt. Jeremy Feldbusch, an Army Ranger from Pennsylvania who was blinded in 2003 in Iraq. He had been guarding a dam near Baghdad when an artillery shell burst 100 feet away. Perot ensured Feldbusch received the best care and support. His commitment to public service wasn't limited to philanthropy; he also ran for President of the United States as an independent candidate in 1992 and 1996, advocating for fiscal responsibility and government reform. While his political campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful, they showcased his willingness to challenge the status quo and his deep-seated belief in the power of individual action to effect change. His reputation as someone who gets things done, forged in part by the dramatic events in Iran, resonated with a significant portion of the American electorate.

Diplomacy Fails: Perot Takes Action

Upon learning of the imprisonment of his two EDS executives, Ross Perot immediately initiated efforts to secure their release through conventional channels. He contacted the U.S. State Department and engaged in diplomatic overtures, hoping that official government intervention would resolve the situation. However, the rapidly deteriorating political climate in Iran meant that traditional diplomatic avenues were proving ineffective. The U.S. Embassy itself was under threat, and its capacity to exert influence was severely limited. When attempts to resolve the situation through diplomacy failed, Perot made the decision to act on his own. This was a critical turning point. For Perot, the welfare of his employees was paramount. He famously stated, "Perot's willingness to support his people is legendary," and this crisis was the ultimate test of that commitment. He understood that waiting for the slow wheels of bureaucracy or the unpredictable nature of revolutionary justice was not an option. The bail amount was astronomical, and the Iranian legal system was proving to be arbitrary and unreliable. Perot realized that if his men were to be freed, he would have to orchestrate their liberation himself. This audacious decision would set in motion one of the most remarkable private rescue missions in modern history, forever linking the name Ross Perot to the daring Iran hostages rescue.

Assembling the Elite Team: "On the Wings of Eagles"

With diplomatic options exhausted, Ross Perot turned to an unconventional solution: a private military operation. He wasn't just sending a few hired guns; he was assembling a dedicated team, built on loyalty and expertise. This incredible true story, later immortalized in Ken Follett's bestselling book and the gripping television miniseries "On the Wings of Eagles" starring Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna (who portrayed Perot), details how Perot created a "rainbow 5 type rescue team" to recover his stranded and incarcerated executives. His team consisted of a group of volunteers from the executive ranks of his corporation, handpicked for their loyalty, resourcefulness, and courage. These were not seasoned military operatives, but businessmen willing to put their lives on the line for their colleagues. To lead this unprecedented mission, Perot enlisted the help of Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons, a legendary retired Green Beret officer known for his expertise in special operations, including a previous prisoner-of-war rescue attempt in Vietnam. Simons was the perfect choice to train and lead Perot's unconventional force.

Training and Strategy

Under Colonel Simons's guidance, the EDS volunteers underwent intense training. This wasn't just about physical conditioning; it was about instilling discipline, tactical awareness, and the mindset required for a high-stakes, clandestine operation in a hostile foreign land. Ross Perot used some "football philosophy" in planning the successful rescue mission of two Electronic Data Systems employees held in an Iranian jail. This approach emphasized teamwork, clear objectives, and aggressive execution – much like a well-coached football team. The plan was complex and multifaceted, anticipating various scenarios. It involved not only the direct liberation of Chiapparone and Gaylord but also a contingency for their safe extraction from Iran. The team had to navigate a country in chaos, where law and order had largely broken down, and anti-American sentiment was rampant. The objective was clear: get the men out, no matter the cost. Perot put together a secret commando team to get two of his employees out of Iran, demonstrating his unparalleled commitment to his workforce.

The Perilous Rescue Mission in Tehran

The rescue mission itself was a testament to courage and meticulous planning. As the revolution reached its crescendo, the EDS team, led by Colonel Simons, infiltrated Iran. The situation on the ground was extremely volatile. The central prison in Tehran, where Chiapparone and Gaylord were held, was a heavily guarded fortress. A direct assault was deemed too risky, likely resulting in casualties and failure. Simons and his team waited for the opportune moment. That moment came when the revolutionary fervor reached a peak, leading to widespread riots and a breakdown of prison authority. In a chaotic turn of events, the prison gates were breached by an angry mob, creating the diversion and opportunity the EDS team needed. Amidst the pandemonium, Simons's men moved swiftly to locate and extract Chiapparone and Gaylord. It was a chaotic but ultimately successful operation, a true soaring tale of courage, inspired by true events. Once the two executives were out of the prison, the next challenge was to get them out of Iran. This was arguably the most dangerous part of the mission. With the country in disarray, borders were fluid, and travel was fraught with peril. Perot's men made it out of Iran in two Land Rovers in two days, navigating treacherous terrain and avoiding numerous checkpoints and hostile elements. Their escape was a daring feat of endurance and navigation, a testament to the training and resolve of the team. The successful extraction of the EDS employees under such extreme conditions underscored the extraordinary lengths Ross Perot was willing to go for his people. This event solidified his image as someone who truly gets things done, regardless of the obstacles.

The Aftermath: A Legacy of Courage

The successful rescue of Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gaylord was a triumph of private initiative over seemingly insurmountable odds. It was a story that captured the imagination of the American public, a narrative of heroism and corporate loyalty in a time of national uncertainty. The timing of the rescue, occurring just months before the larger Iran hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy, only amplified its significance. During the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, which set the stage for the U.S. presidential election pitting Democrat Jimmy Carter against Republican Ronald Reagan, Perot’s swashbuckling tale took on a powerful resonance. It offered a stark contrast to the perceived impotence of the U.S. government in dealing with the Iranian situation. The story's impact was so profound that it was adapted into the aforementioned book and miniseries "On the Wings of Eagles," bringing the incredible details of the Ross Perot Iran hostages rescue to millions. Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna starred in the gripping television miniseries, further cementing the legend in popular culture. This media portrayal ensured that nearly every account of Ross Perot's life mentions the rescue from an Iranian prison of two executives of his Electronic Data Systems Corp, highlighting it as a prime example of his character and leadership. What better example of someone who gets things done than this daring mission? For all the giving Perot has done over the years, there was one special occasion where it came back to him, when in 1978 two of his EDS executives were taken hostage by the Iranian government, and he personally intervened to save them.

Perot's Broader Impact and Philanthropy

Fresh from the success of his Iran rescue, Ross Perot had taken on a new crusade. He was rampaging across the state whipping up sentiment for a war against drugs and the lax moral. This demonstrates how the Iran rescue, while a defining moment, was just one facet of Perot's relentless drive to tackle perceived problems head-on. His commitment to public welfare and his readiness to act were consistent themes throughout his life. Perot's philanthropic endeavors continued to expand. His foundation, established in 1969, became a major force for good, supporting a wide array of causes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to one of Ross’ favorite charities, reflecting his lifelong dedication to giving back. These include: * The Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America * The Perot Museum of Nature and Science * The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center * The Salvation Army DFW * The North Texas Food Bank * The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas * Teach for America These diverse organizations reflect the breadth of Perot's interests and his desire to improve society at multiple levels, from education and science to healthcare and poverty alleviation. His personal involvement and financial support made a tangible difference in countless lives, solidifying his legacy as a generous and engaged citizen.

Beyond Iran: Perot's Enduring Influence

The Ross Perot Iran hostages rescue was more than just a corporate rescue mission; it was a powerful demonstration of individual initiative and the lengths to which a leader would go for his team. It underscored Perot's unique brand of leadership—direct, decisive, and deeply personal. This event, alongside his later presidential campaigns, cemented his image as a maverick who was unafraid to challenge norms and take bold action. Perot's legacy extends far beyond this single, dramatic event. He revolutionized the data processing industry, became a prominent voice in national politics, and dedicated a significant portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes. His unwavering commitment to veterans, his passion for education, and his belief in personal responsibility continue to inspire. The Iran rescue remains a powerful anecdote, a testament to his character, and a reminder that sometimes, extraordinary problems require extraordinary solutions from individuals with the courage to act. It's a story that continues to resonate, embodying the spirit of determination and the profound impact one person can have when they choose to take matters into their own hands. The tale of Ross Perot and the Iran hostages is a timeless narrative of loyalty, courage, and the relentless pursuit of what is right. It reminds us that true leadership often emerges not from official titles or political power, but from an unshakeable commitment to one's principles and people. What are your thoughts on Ross Perot's daring rescue mission? Do you believe such private initiatives are a necessary response when traditional diplomacy fails? Share your insights in the comments below, and if you found this article insightful, please consider sharing it with others who might be interested in this incredible true story.