Ross Perot's Daring Iran Hostage Rescue: A True American Saga
The name Ross Perot often conjures images of a no-nonsense businessman and a maverick political figure, but beneath the public persona lay a man fiercely dedicated to his people. This dedication was perhaps never more vividly demonstrated than in the extraordinary events surrounding the Ross Perot rescue Iran hostages, a tale of courage, strategic thinking, and unwavering loyalty that captivated a nation. It's a story that transcends mere corporate responsibility, becoming a testament to one man's resolve to bring his employees home safe, no matter the cost or the perilous circumstances.
In a period marked by profound geopolitical upheaval, specifically the tumultuous Iranian Revolution of 1979, the stakes were incredibly high. While the world watched the unfolding drama of the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, another, lesser-known but equally gripping drama was playing out behind the scenes, orchestrated by Perot himself. This article delves into the intricate details of how Ross Perot, driven by an unyielding commitment, financed and orchestrated the audacious rescue of two of his Electronic Data Systems (EDS) employees from an Iranian prison, amidst chaos and danger, solidifying his legendary status as a leader who truly "gets things done."
Table of Contents
- Biography of H. Ross Perot
- The Iranian Revolution and the Hostage Crisis
- EDS in Iran and the Unfolding Crisis
- Perot's Unwavering Commitment: A Leader Who Gets Things Done
- Assembling the Elite Rescue Team
- The Audacious Rescue Mission Unfolds
- The Escape and Journey to Freedom
- The Legacy of a Heroic Endeavor
Biography of H. Ross Perot
Henry Ross Perot was an American business magnate, billionaire, and philanthropist. Born in Texarkana, Texas, on June 27, 1930, Perot's life was a quintessential American success story, marked by innovation, ambition, and an unconventional approach to problem-solving. His willingness to support his people is legendary, underscored by a rescue of two EDS employees in Iran, an event that etched his name into the annals of corporate loyalty and personal bravery.
After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Perot began his career at IBM, where he quickly distinguished himself. In 1962, he founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a company that pioneered the data processing industry. Under his leadership, EDS grew into a multinational giant, known for its rigorous corporate culture and Perot's hands-on management style. His success with EDS laid the financial foundation for his later philanthropic endeavors and his highly publicized political campaigns. 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 its significance in defining his character and leadership.
Personal Data and Biodata of H. Ross Perot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Henry Ross Perot |
| Born | June 27, 1930, Texarkana, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | July 9, 2019 (aged 89), Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | U.S. Naval Academy (B.S., 1957) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Philanthropist, Political Activist |
| Known For | Founder of EDS and Perot Systems, Two-time U.S. Presidential Candidate, Orchestrating the Ross Perot rescue Iran hostages |
| Spouse | Margot Birmingham Perot |
| Children | 5 (including Ross Perot Jr.) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4.1 billion at time of death |
The Iranian Revolution and the Hostage Crisis
The year 1979 was a watershed moment in Iranian and global history. The Iranian Revolution, a period of intense social and political upheaval, saw the overthrow of the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This seismic shift created an environment of extreme instability and anti-American sentiment.
During the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, which set the stage for the U.S. Presidential election pitting Democrat Jimmy Carter against Republican Ronald Reagan, the world's attention was fixed on the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the taking of American diplomats and citizens hostage. This official crisis, however, was not the only instance of Americans being caught in the revolutionary crossfire. It was against this backdrop of widespread chaos and a breakdown of traditional order that Perot's swashbuckling tale took on a particular resonance, showcasing an individual's extraordinary response to a dire situation.
EDS in Iran and the Unfolding Crisis
Before the revolution escalated, Ross Perot’s company, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), was on the verge of fully completing a large contract for the Iranian government, arranged under Shah Pahlavi. This contract involved modernizing Iran's social security system, a massive undertaking that required a significant presence of EDS personnel in the country. However, as the revolution gained momentum, the work was slowed by a lack of infrastructure in Iran and rising instability. The political climate deteriorated rapidly, and the new revolutionary government began to scrutinize foreign contracts and personnel.
It was in this volatile atmosphere that two EDS employees, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gaylord, found themselves in a perilous situation. In February 1979, they were arrested and imprisoned by the Iranian government in a contract dispute. The charges were largely fabricated, a tactic often used by the new regime to assert control and settle scores. These executives from an important Texas corporation were taken hostage during the Iranian revolution, not by militant groups, but by the government itself, raising the stakes and complicating any potential diplomatic intervention.
Perot's Unwavering Commitment: A Leader Who Gets Things Done
Upon learning of his employees' imprisonment, Ross Perot did not hesitate. For him, the welfare of his people was paramount, a principle he lived by. What better example of someone who gets things done than a man who, when two of his employees were held hostage in a heavily guarded prison fortress in Iran, took matters into his own hands? He understood that traditional diplomatic channels might be too slow or ineffective given the chaotic situation in Iran.
Perot’s willingness to support his people is legendary, and this crisis became a defining moment for his leadership philosophy. He wasn't content to wait for government intervention; he decided to act directly. In February 1979, Perot financed the successful rescue of two Electronic Data Systems (EDS) employees imprisoned by the Iranian government in a contract dispute. This decision underscored his belief that a leader's responsibility extends beyond the boardroom, into the personal safety and well-being of their team.
Assembling the Elite Rescue Team
To execute such a high-stakes operation, Perot knew he needed a team of exceptional individuals. He didn't turn to mercenaries or government agencies initially; instead, he leveraged the unique talent within his own company. His team consisted of a group of volunteers from the executive ranks of his corporation, handpicked and trained by a retired Green Beret officer, Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons. Simons was a legendary figure in special operations, known for his leadership in the Son Tay prison camp raid during the Vietnam War, making him the ideal choice to lead this audacious private rescue mission.
Perot put together a secret commando team to get two of his employees out of Iran. This team, though composed of civilians, underwent rigorous training under Simons's tutelage, preparing them for the dangers and complexities of operating in a hostile environment. Ross Perot used some football philosophy in planning the successful rescue mission of two Electronic Data Systems employees held in an Iranian jail, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and relentless execution. The synergy between Perot's business acumen and Simons's military expertise formed the backbone of this extraordinary undertaking.
The Audacious Rescue Mission Unfolds
The mission itself was fraught with peril and uncertainty. On Wings of Eagles is the 100% true story of the rescue operation that Ross Perot organizes after two of his EDS employees working in the Iran branch are jailed. In 1979 after two of his employees working in Iran were arrested, Ross Perot brought together a team to get to Tehran and rescue them. The team, led by Simons, infiltrated Iran, navigating the revolutionary chaos and the breakdown of law and order. Their objective was not just to locate the prisoners but to devise a plan for their extraction from the heavily guarded Qasr Prison.
The rescue occurred amidst a prison break during the chaos of revolutionary upheaval in Iran. This fortuitous event, a spontaneous uprising within the prison, created the diversion and opportunity the team needed. Seizing the moment, Simons and his men, including Rashid, an Iranian EDS employee who played a crucial role, entered the prison during the pandemonium. Their quick thinking and decisive action allowed them to locate and extract Chiapparone and Gaylord amidst the confusion, a testament to their training and the unpredictable nature of the revolution. Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna star in "On Wings of Eagles," a gripping television miniseries of author Ken Follett's bestselling book, which vividly portrays the dramatic events of this rescue, with Richard Crenna portraying Ross Perot.
The Role of Rashid
Rashid, an Iranian EDS employee, was instrumental in the success of the mission. His local knowledge, language skills, and ability to navigate the complex social and political landscape of revolutionary Iran proved invaluable. He acted as a guide, translator, and liaison, helping Simons's team blend in and gather critical intelligence. Rashid's bravery and loyalty to EDS, even in the face of personal danger, highlight the global camaraderie that Perot fostered within his company.
Challenges and Adaptations
The mission was not without its immense challenges. Beyond the political instability, the lack of reliable infrastructure, communication breakdowns, and the constant threat of discovery made every step perilous. The team had to adapt constantly, relying on their training and ingenuity. The spontaneous prison break, while chaotic, ultimately provided the window of opportunity they had been waiting for, proving that sometimes, in the most dire circumstances, fortune favors the bold and prepared.
The Escape and Journey to Freedom
Once the two executives were out of prison, the next challenge was to get them, along with the entire rescue team, out of Iran. This was no small feat, given the border closures, checkpoints, and general lawlessness. Perot’s men made it out of Iran in two Land Rovers in two days, embarking on a perilous overland journey across the rugged terrain and through hostile territory. Their escape route was carefully planned, but execution required nerves of steel and unwavering determination.
On February 17 — after 46 days in Iran — all of Perot’s EDS employees and every member of his rescue team — including Rashid — arrived at his hotel room in Istanbul, and the next day were home safe in the United States. This moment of triumph, the culmination of weeks of planning, risk, and daring execution, was a testament to Perot's vision and the courage of his team. It was a victory not just for EDS, but for the principle of unwavering commitment to one's people.
The Legacy of a Heroic Endeavor
The Ross Perot rescue Iran hostages became a defining moment in his public life, solidifying his image as a man of action and integrity. It was immortalized in Ken Follett's bestselling book "On Wings of Eagles" and the subsequent miniseries starring Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna, bringing the extraordinary story to a wider audience. This event cemented Perot's reputation as a leader who valued his employees above all else, willing to go to extraordinary lengths to protect them.
Ross Perot, fresh from the success of his Iran rescue, had taken on a new crusade, often using the same decisive, results-oriented approach in his later endeavors. He was rampaging across the state whipping up sentiment for a war against drugs and the lax moral, showcasing his continued commitment to tackling societal problems with the same vigor he applied to corporate challenges. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond EDS; Perot also embraced the entrepreneurial spirit of others, investing in and supporting various ventures.
In 2009, computer manufacturer Dell acquired Perot Systems (the company Perot founded after EDS) for $3.9 billion to expand its global IT services capabilities, further cementing Perot's legacy in the technology industry. Perot became chairman emeritus, and Ross Jr. assumed the dual roles of CEO and board chair, ensuring the family's continued influence in the business world. The tale of the Iran rescue remains a soaring tale of courage, inspired by true events, and a powerful example of what can be achieved when a leader combines resources, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to their team.
Impact on Perot's Public Image
The rescue significantly boosted Perot's public profile, painting him as a pragmatic problem-solver who could deliver results where government institutions faltered. This image played a crucial role in his later political career, particularly his independent presidential bids in 1992 and 1996, where he positioned himself as an outsider capable of cutting through bureaucracy and "getting things done" for the American people, much like he did for his EDS employees.
A Blueprint for Corporate Responsibility
Beyond the personal heroism, the Ross Perot rescue Iran hostages set a high bar for corporate responsibility and employee welfare. It demonstrated that a company's commitment to its people could extend to extraordinary lengths, fostering deep loyalty and trust. This event continues to be cited as an exemplary case of leadership in crisis, a testament to the power of human initiative when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Conclusion
The story of the Ross Perot rescue Iran hostages is more than just a historical footnote; it is a powerful narrative of leadership, loyalty, and sheer audacity. From the chaotic streets of revolutionary Tehran to the safe haven of Istanbul, Perot's unwavering commitment to his employees transformed a desperate situation into a triumphant return. It showcased his unique blend of business acumen, strategic thinking, and a profound sense of personal responsibility.
This incredible episode underscores the principle that true leadership is often defined not by titles or wealth, but by the willingness to stand up for those under your care, even when facing immense danger. Ross Perot's actions in 1979 serve as an enduring inspiration, reminding us that with courage, meticulous planning, and an indomitable spirit, seemingly impossible challenges can be overcome. We invite you to share your thoughts on this remarkable rescue mission in the comments below. Have you read "On Wings of Eagles" or seen the miniseries? What aspects of Perot's leadership do you find most compelling? Explore more of our articles to discover other incredible true stories of human resilience and determination.
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