The Guts to Try: The Untold Story of the Iran Hostage Rescue Mission by the On-Scene Desert Commander

From one of the highest ranking officers on the ground in Iran comes a no-holds-barred look at America’s brave mission against terrorism

Colonel James H. Kyle was involved in every stage of the Iran hostage rescue operation. As Desert-1 Commander, he alone bore responsibility for the courageous mission. Now Colonel Kyle spares no one, including himself, in this riveting account that takes readers from the initial brainstorming sessions and training camps to the desert rehearsals, the forward staging areas in Egypt and Oman, and finally to the desert refueling site, where he decided to abort.

Colonel Kyle provides honest answers to tough questions: Why were the pilots caught totally off guard by the weather? How did the CIA contribute to the mission’s breakdown? And could such a failure happen again? The Guts to Try is a thrilling true-life adventure story–exploring America’s ability to react quickly, forcefully, and effectively to acts of terrorism.

Colonel James H. Kyle, USAF (Ret.), was the commander of the Air Force component of the Iran Rescue Mission in 1980 and was commander of the landing zone in Iran known as Desert-I. He has extensive experience (including time in Vietnam) and knowledge in special operations. Kyle served in the Air Force for thirty years, earned several decorations, and logged 9,000 crew flying hours, 1,000 of those in combat. He lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.

John R. Eidson is Copy Desk Chief, Features Department, of the Press Telegram, in Long Beach, California.