In many ways “Operation Eagle Claw,” the ludicrously ambitious plan to rescue the hostages, was the nadir of the whole affair. Intended to demonstrate U.S. strength and determination to Iran ...

Operation Eagle Claw, a failed 1980 hostage rescue mission in Iran, was commemorated at Hurlburt Field. The mission's failure led to the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command and AFSOC.