On Wings of Eagles

On Wings of Eagles recounts the true story of a daring rescue mission during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. When two American executives from Electronic Data Systems (EDS) are imprisoned in Tehran on bribery charges, company founder Ross Perot launches a private operation to free them. The narrative follows a team of EDS volunteers led by retired U.S. Army Colonel Arthur D. Simons as they navigate revolutionary Iran. Against the backdrop of mounting civil unrest and the imminent fall of the Shah, the rescue team must adapt their plans as circumstances change and tensions escalate. Ken Follett constructed this account through extensive interviews with the participants and had them verify the details for accuracy. The book maintains a commitment to historical truth while documenting the events that unfolded during this unauthorized rescue operation. The book examines themes of loyalty, corporate responsibility, and individual courage in the face of international crisis. It stands as a testament to the lengths private citizens will go to protect their colleagues when traditional diplomatic channels prove ineffective.

Readers praise Follett's detailed research and ability to make a true corporate rescue story feel like a thriller. Many note they couldn't put the book down despite knowing the outcome. The realistic portrayal of Iran during the revolution and the complex logistics of the rescue operation resonated with readers who lived through that era. Common criticisms include too much technical and biographical detail in the first third, with some readers noting it takes time to get to the main rescue story. A few reviewers felt the narrative became repetitive during the escape sequences. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Reads like fiction but hits harder because it's true. The details of Iranian culture and politics during this period are fascinating." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The build-up is slow but necessary to understand the stakes and players involved." - Amazon reviewer

The Ghost Army of World War II by Rick Beyer, Elizabeth Sayles The true story of American G.I.s who conducted deception operations to fool Hitler's armies showcases ingenuity and courage in a high-stakes military mission.

Rescue Mission by Tom Clavin A narrative of the largest military search-and-rescue operation in history traces American airmen's escape from Japanese-occupied territories during World War II.

The Great Escape by Paul Brickhill The firsthand account of Allied prisoners plotting their breakout from a German POW camp demonstrates human resilience and determination against wartime odds.

Inside Delta Force by Eric L. Haney A founding member of the U.S. military's elite counterterrorist unit provides insight into covert operations and high-risk missions.

Guests of the Ayatollah by Mark Bowden The chronicle of the Iran hostage crisis follows Americans trapped in Tehran through 444 days of diplomatic tension and rescue attempts.

★ Ross Perot's rescue mission team was nicknamed "Eagle" after his company Electronic Data Systems' logo, and the entire operation cost approximately $250,000. ★ Prior to writing this book, Ken Follett was primarily known for spy thrillers and historical fiction - this was his first major venture into non-fiction storytelling. ★ The successful rescue operation took place on February 17, 1979, during a period of intense street fighting in Tehran as the Shah's regime collapsed. ★ The two rescued executives, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gaylord, had been held in Tehran's notorious Qasr Prison for 42 days before their escape. ★ Col. Arthur "Bull" Simons, who led the rescue team, was a legendary Special Forces commander who had previously led missions in Vietnam. This would be his final mission before his death in 1979.