8 Who Died in Failed Iran Rescue Honored

WASHINGTON — Eight U.S. servicemen who died in a failed attempt to rescue 52 American hostages in Iran eight years ago were honored Monday at a ceremony attended by relatives, friends and military officials.

“Time is a great healer of pain. Those feelings of sorrow have been replaced with feelings of pride,” said Air Force Capt. Richard Holmes, the brother of Cpl. George Holmes Jr. of Pine Bluff, Ark., one of the eight men who died during the abortive rescue mission in the Iranian desert on April 25, 1980.

The eight were killed when a helicopter collided with a transport plane after officials decided to abandon the mission. The hostages were freed in January, 1981, after 444 days in captivity.