**In the annals of American entrepreneurship and sheer audacity, few figures loom as large as H. Ross Perot. A man whose name became synonymous with getting things done, his legend is perhaps most vividly underscored by a dramatic rescue operation in revolutionary Iran. This incredible true story, involving two of his Electronic Data Systems (EDS) employees held captive, not only solidified Perot's reputation but also became the subject of a gripping television miniseries, "On Wings of Eagles," often referred to by fans as the "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie."** It's a tale that intertwines corporate loyalty with international intrigue, showcasing an extraordinary private initiative against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, distinct from the larger, well-known Iran Hostage Crisis that captivated the world. This article delves into the remarkable events of 1979, when Ross Perot, unwilling to wait for conventional diplomacy, launched a special unit to free his imprisoned executives. We will explore the tumultuous environment of post-Shah Iran, the specific circumstances that led to the employees' capture, Perot's unconventional decision-making, and the audacious mission led by a legendary Special Forces colonel. Finally, we'll examine how this "soaring tale of courage, inspired by true events," was immortalized on screen, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in modern history. ## Table of Contents 1. [Ross Perot: A Man Who Gets Things Done](#ross-perot-a-man-who-gets-things-done) * [The Entrepreneurial Maverick: H. Ross Perot's Biography](#the-entrepreneurial-maverick-h-ross-perots-biography) 2. [The Tumultuous Backdrop: Iran in 1979](#the-tumultuous-backdrop-iran-in-1979) 3. [The EDS Crisis: When Employees Became Hostages](#the-eds-crisis-when-employees-became-hostages) 4. [Perot's Unconventional Response: Taking Matters Into His Own Hands](#perots-unconventional-response-taking-matters-into-his-own-hands) 5. [Assembling the Elite: Bull Simons and the Volunteer Team](#assembling-the-elite-bull-simons-and-the-volunteer-team) * [From Executives to Operatives: The Training Regimen](#from-executives-to-operatives-the-training-regimen) 6. [The Daring Mission: On Wings of Eagles](#the-daring-mission-on-wings-of-eagles) 7. [From True Story to Gripping Miniseries: The "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie"](#from-true-story-to-gripping-miniseries-the-ross-perot-rescue-iran-hostages-movie) * [Beyond the Screen: The Legacy of a Bold Rescue](#beyond-the-screen-the-legacy-of-a-bold-rescue) * [Comparing Narratives: "On Wings of Eagles" vs. "Argo"](#comparing-narratives-on-wings-of-eagles-vs-argo) 8. [Conclusion: A Testament to Unwavering Loyalty](#conclusion-a-testament-to-unwavering-loyalty) ## Ross Perot: A Man Who Gets Things Done H. Ross Perot, born in Texarkana, Texas, was a self-made billionaire, a philanthropic force, and a two-time independent presidential candidate. His career was marked by an unwavering belief in direct action and a profound loyalty to his employees. Perot’s willingness to support his people is legendary, a trait that would be tested and ultimately immortalized by the dramatic rescue of two EDS employees in Iran. Nearly every account of Ross Perot’s life mentions this incredible episode – the rescue from an Iranian prison of two executives of his Electronic Data Systems Corp. It stands as a powerful testament to his philosophy: "What better example of someone who gets things done?" Perot built EDS into a computing services giant, revolutionizing how businesses managed their data. He was known for his demanding but fiercely loyal leadership style, creating a corporate culture that fostered deep personal connections. This ethos was never more evident than when two of his employees found themselves in dire straits thousands of miles away, in the midst of a violent revolution. ### The Entrepreneurial Maverick: H. Ross Perot's Biography To understand the extraordinary lengths Perot went to for his employees, it's essential to know the man behind the mission. | **Attribute** | **Details** | | :------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Full Name** | Henry Ross Perot | | **Born** | June 27, 1930, Texarkana, Texas, U.S. | | **Died** | July 9, 2019 (aged 89), Dallas, Texas, U.S. | | **Occupation** | Businessman, Philanthropist, Politician | | **Known For** | Founder of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Perot Systems; Independent Presidential Candidate (1992, 1996); Iran Hostage Rescue. | | **Education** | U.S. Naval Academy (B.S., 1953) | | **Military Service** | United States Navy (1953–1957) | | **Net Worth** | ~$4.1 billion (at time of death) | | **Spouse** | Margot Birmingham Perot (m. 1956) | | **Children** | 5 | Perot's background as a naval officer instilled in him a disciplined, mission-oriented approach. His entrepreneurial success gave him the resources and the independence to act decisively when conventional channels failed. When executives from an important Texas corporation like EDS were taken hostage during the Iranian Revolution, it was magnate Ross Perot who launched a special unit for their rescue, embodying his "can-do" spirit. ## The Tumultuous Backdrop: Iran in 1979 The year 1979 was a watershed moment for Iran, marking the culmination of the Iranian Revolution. During the takeover of Iran, the king (Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi) was overthrown, leading to the establishment of an Islamic Republic. This period was characterized by widespread unrest, political instability, and a dramatic shift in international relations. The work of foreign companies, including EDS, was significantly impacted by a lack of infrastructure in Iran and rising instability. It was during this tumultuous period that the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was stormed, leading to the infamous Iran Hostage Crisis, which saw 52 other Americans held for 444 days. This crisis would set the stage for the U.S. Presidential election pitting Democrat Jimmy Carter against Republican Ronald Reagan. Perot’s swashbuckling tale took on a particular resonance against this backdrop, though his rescue mission was entirely separate from the U.S. government's efforts regarding the embassy hostages. The chaos and anti-American sentiment made any foreign presence precarious, and the legal system became highly unpredictable. ## The EDS Crisis: When Employees Became Hostages EDS had a contract with the Iranian government to computerize its social security system. However, as the revolution gained momentum, Iran had not been coming through on its part of the existing contract. By the end of 1978, the Iranian government owed EDS $5 million. In a desperate attempt to force payment and assert control, two executives of Electronic Data Systems, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gaylord, were imprisoned on false charges. They were held captive in a heavily guarded prison fortress in Tehran. The legal system was in disarray, and there was little hope of a fair trial or quick release through diplomatic means. For Ross Perot, this was not merely a business dispute; it was a personal affront and a grave threat to his employees, whom he considered part of his extended family. He saw things differently than most corporate heads. When two of his employees were held hostage in a heavily guarded prison fortress in Iran, one man took matters into his own hands. ## Perot's Unconventional Response: Taking Matters Into His Own Hands The head of the company, H. Ross Perot (Richard Crenna in the miniseries), traveled to Tehran to negotiate for their release. He attempted all conventional avenues – legal appeals, diplomatic pressure, and direct negotiation with the new Iranian authorities. However, the chaotic environment and the nature of the charges made these efforts futile. Perot quickly realized that a different, more audacious strategy was required. He was not one to sit idly by while his people suffered. Recognizing the futility of traditional approaches, Perot made a decision that would shock many but perfectly align with his maverick persona: he would organize a private rescue mission. This was an unprecedented move for a civilian businessman, demonstrating his deep commitment to his employees and his willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to protect them. ## Assembling the Elite: Bull Simons and the Volunteer Team To lead this incredibly dangerous and complex operation, Perot turned to a man uniquely qualified for the task: Arthur D. "Bull" Simons. A retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel, Simons (portrayed by Burt Lancaster in "On Wings of Eagles") was a legendary figure in military circles, known for his leadership in daring missions, including the Son Tay prisoner of war camp raid in North Vietnam. Perot hired Simons to formulate a rescue plan at any cost. Simons immediately began assembling a team. What made this team truly extraordinary was its composition: it consisted of a group of volunteers from the executive ranks of EDS. These were not career special forces operatives but highly dedicated EDS employees, handpicked and trained by a retired Green Beret officer. Within days, Simons was selecting and training a team of EDS employees (all highly decorated Vietnam veterans) into a hostage rescue team to rescue the two executives from the Tehran prison and bring them home. This blend of corporate loyalty and military expertise was central to the mission's unique character. ### From Executives to Operatives: The Training Regimen The training was intense and unconventional, designed to prepare the EDS volunteers for the harsh realities of a covert operation in a hostile environment. Under Bull Simons's strict guidance, these executives, accustomed to boardrooms and spreadsheets, were transformed into a disciplined unit. They learned combat techniques, evasion, survival skills, and how to operate under extreme pressure. The goal was not just to extract the hostages but to ensure the safety of the entire team in a country gripped by revolution. This rigorous preparation underscored the seriousness of Perot's commitment and the extreme risks involved. ## The Daring Mission: On Wings of Eagles The rescue operation itself was a masterpiece of planning and execution, fraught with peril at every turn. The mission was slowed by a lack of infrastructure in Iran and rising instability, making every step a calculated risk. Simons's team, operating under immense secrecy, navigated the chaotic streets of Tehran, gathering intelligence and preparing for the opportunity to strike. Through cunning, guile, persistence — and a little luck — the Americans were secreted out of the country in the midst of a violent revolution. The operation was not a direct assault on the prison, but rather a strategic maneuver that capitalized on the general chaos and an opportune moment of a prison break incited by local revolutionaries. Chiapparone and Gaylord were able to slip out amidst the confusion, meeting up with Simons's team, who then orchestrated their perilous overland journey to the Turkish border. This successful extraction stood in stark contrast to the fate of the 52 other Americans held for 444 days at the U.S. Embassy and a failed rescue attempt (Operation Eagle Claw) that ended in the deaths of eight U.S. troops and a deeply wounded presidency. The "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie" vividly portrays these harrowing escapes. ## From True Story to Gripping Miniseries: The "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie" The extraordinary nature of Ross Perot's private rescue mission quickly captured public imagination. Author Ken Follett immortalized the events in his bestselling book, "On Wings of Eagles," published in 1983. This book then served as the basis for a gripping television miniseries of the same name, which premiered in 1986. "On Wings of Eagles" is widely considered the "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie." Burt Lancaster and Richard Crenna star in "On Wings of Eagles," with Crenna portraying H. Ross Perot and Lancaster taking on the role of the formidable Bull Simons. The cast also included Paul Le Mat, Jim Metzler, Constance Towers, Cyril O'Reilly, and Esai Morales, among others. The miniseries was marketed as a "100% true story of the rescue operation that Ross Perot organizes after two of his EDS employees working in the Iran branch are jailed." It was hailed as a "soaring tale of courage, inspired by true events," bringing the high-stakes drama to millions of viewers. The miniseries effectively conveyed the tension, the ingenuity, and the sheer willpower that defined the mission, solidifying its place in popular culture as the definitive "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie." ### Beyond the Screen: The Legacy of a Bold Rescue The Iran rescue operation became a cornerstone of Ross Perot's public image. It showcased his unwavering loyalty, his disdain for bureaucratic inertia, and his ability to achieve seemingly impossible feats. While some critics might suggest that "Ross Perot sure can grow a tall tale," the proof of this particular daring endeavor is now on video, enshrined in Ken Follett’s bestselling book and the miniseries. It cemented his reputation as a leader who would go to any lengths for his people, a quality that resonated deeply with many Americans and later played a role in his presidential campaigns. The event perfectly encapsulated his philosophy of "getting things done," regardless of the obstacles. ### Comparing Narratives: "On Wings of Eagles" vs. "Argo" It's worth noting that "On Wings of Eagles" is sometimes confused with "Argo," the 2012 American espionage thriller film directed by and starring Ben Affleck. While both films are set during the Iran Hostage Crisis and involve American rescues from Iran, their stories are distinct. "Argo" depicts the joint CIA-Canadian operation to rescue six American diplomats who evaded capture when the U.S. Embassy was stormed. Its screenplay was adapted from the memoir "The Master of Disguise" by U.S. operative Tony Mendez. In contrast, the "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie" – "On Wings of Eagles" – focuses exclusively on a private corporate rescue mission, initiated and funded by Perot himself, to free two of his own employees. This distinction highlights the unique and audacious nature of Perot's endeavor, which operated entirely outside government channels, making it a truly singular event in modern history. ## Conclusion: A Testament to Unwavering Loyalty The story of the "Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Movie," known as "On Wings of Eagles," is more than just a thrilling account of a daring mission. It is a powerful testament to the principles of loyalty, determination, and the lengths to which one individual can go to protect those under their care. Ross Perot's decision to take matters into his own hands, bypassing conventional diplomatic and governmental channels, underscored his unique character and left an indelible mark on his legacy. This true story, brought to life by Ken Follett's book and the subsequent miniseries, continues to inspire and fascinate. It serves as a reminder that courage and ingenuity can emerge from unexpected places, even from the world of business. The tale of the EDS executives' rescue from a Tehran prison in the midst of a revolution remains one of the most remarkable private initiatives in modern history, a true "soaring tale of courage" that continues to resonate. What are your thoughts on Ross Perot's audacious rescue mission? Do you believe his approach was justified, or do you think such actions should always be left to governments? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and if you found this article insightful, consider sharing it with others who might be interested in this incredible piece of history!
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