You Did What__ Mad Plans and Great Historical Disasters - Bill Fawcett [98]
The six-member commission headed by Admiral James L. Holloway III explored every step taken, including the selection of aircrew. Navy and marine pilots with little experience in long-range overland navigation or refueling from C-130s were selected, even though more than one hundred qualified air force H-53 pilots were available. It was also determined that the four forces did not train in concert but rather separately, leading to miscommunication during the actual op. Additionally, the panel faulted the decision to use just eight helicopters, just two over the minimum required. Instead, the commission concluded that at least ten and perhaps as many as twelve helicopters should have been used. In review, it was also determined that in-air refueling, rather than hopscotching across the desert, would have been more efficient. It certainly would have avoided the Desert One collision.
Beckwith commented in review, “The assault plan was sketchy. Its chances for success were very slender indeed. The basic scenario looked very complicated. It also revealed that at this time the Armed Forces of the United States had neither the present resources nor the present capabilities to pull it off. Training was needed to accomplish unique and demanding tasks.”
In early July, the Iranians released hostage Richard Queen, who had developed multiple sclerosis. It was the only positive step taken by the captors during the year. In America, however, yellow ribbons in support of the remaining fifty-two Americans were seemingly tied around every tree in the country. A newfound sense of patriotism filled the airwaves and people sought out information. ABC responded with a late-night summary of the day’s international events that evolved into Nightline, still broadcast today with host Ted Koppel.
The shah also died that month, but that seemed to have little effect on either the Americans or the Iranians.
September saw Khomeini saying enough was enough, their point had been made. Mighty America had been humbled and now it was time to release the hostages. Carter personally got involved with the negotiations, distracting him from the brutal election season. The students initially demanded $24 billion from the frozen assets.
On September 22, Iraq invaded Iran, sparking a long simmering war that served to slow down the negotiations, much to Carter’s frustration.
Delays, most of which were captured by news crews, hampered the president’s effort up to and after he lost in a landslide to Ronald Reagan. He was seen on the phone to Iran even during the January 1981 inauguration. The final deal saw $8 billion in assets unfrozen and a promise to lift the trade sanctions.
Minutes after Reagan was sworn in, the hostages were freed, giving rise to speculation the Republicans were cutting deals behind Carter’s back. These allegations were never proven but still haunt the matter.
After 444 days in captivity, the fifty-two hostages flew out of Tehran to the Wiesbaden Air Force Base in West Germany. Reagan wisely asked the former president to be his representative in Germany a day later when the hostages were returned once more to free soil.
Khomeini remained in power until his death years later. His anti-American vehemence became his epitaph. None of the hostages were killed or even abused by the students. The toll of losses was simply eight soldiers in a botched rescue attempt and one president.
You Assassinated Whom?
When you are a revolutionary, it pays to remember who your friends are. The consequences of forgetting can be disastrous.
THE PROVISIONAL IRA
DONEGAL BAY, IRELAND, 1979
Brian M. Thomsen
On August 27, 1979 a kindly old elder statesman of the Crown, his daughter and her husband, their two sons, his dowager mother, and a young (fifteen) aide were enjoying a holiday cruise on Donegal Bay on Ireland’s northwest coast on the statesman’s twenty - seven - foot fishing vessel, Shadow V.
A relaxing and revitalizing time was planned for all, far from the metropolitan