Ross Perot's Daring Iran Rescue: A Legend Forged In Crisis

Curt Torp 19 Jun 2025

The name Ross Perot often conjures images of an unconventional political figure, but before his presidential bids, he etched his name into history with an audacious private mission: the rescue of two of his employees from a perilous situation in Iran. This remarkable event, steeped in the chaos of the Iranian Revolution, showcases Perot's unwavering commitment to his people and his unique approach to problem-solving.

The story of Ross Perot's involvement in Iran is not just a corporate anecdote; it's a testament to leadership under extreme pressure, a narrative that captivated a nation and became the subject of a best-selling book and a television miniseries. This article delves into the intricate details of this extraordinary saga, exploring the context, the challenges, and the lasting legacy of the Ross Perot Iran rescue.

Who Was Ross Perot? A Brief Biography
- The Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Personal Data & Biodata
EDS in Iran: The Seeds of Conflict
The Iranian Revolution and the Arrests
Perot's Unconventional Approach to Rescue
The Daring Mission: "On Wings of Eagles"
Legacy and Impact of the Ross Perot Iran Rescue
Beyond the Rescue: Perot's Philanthropic Endeavors

Who Was Ross Perot? A Brief Biography

Henry Ross Perot, born in Texarkana, Texas, in 1930, was a self-made billionaire, philanthropist, and an independent presidential candidate whose career was marked by an audacious spirit and an unwavering belief in his principles. Before his political aspirations, Perot built an empire in the nascent world of computer services, demonstrating a visionary understanding of technology's future.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Perot's journey began with a stint in the U.S. Navy before he joined IBM. Frustrated by the corporate bureaucracy, he decided to forge his own path. In 1962, Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS), an IT equipment company that pioneered the outsourcing of data processing services for large corporations and governments. His entrepreneurial drive was relentless, and within six years, Forbes magazine famously dubbed him “the fastest, richest” man, a testament to his rapid ascent in the business world. Perot's willingness to support his people, a trait that would become legendary, was evident early on in his career, culminating in the dramatic events in Iran.

EDS grew into a global powerhouse, providing essential data processing services. Perot’s leadership style was hands-on, characterized by a deep loyalty to his employees and a demand for excellence. This philosophy would be put to the ultimate test when two of his executives found themselves in grave danger in a volatile foreign land.

Personal Data & Biodata

Full Name	Henry Ross Perot
Born	June 27, 1930
Died	July 9, 2019 (aged 89)
Birthplace	Texarkana, Texas, U.S.
Nationality	American
Alma Mater	United States Naval Academy
Occupation	Businessman, Philanthropist, Politician
Known For	Founder of EDS and Perot Systems, 1992 & 1996 Presidential Candidate, Iran Hostage Rescue
Spouse	Margot Birmingham Perot
Children	5

EDS in Iran: The Seeds of Conflict

EDS’s involvement in Iran began years before the crisis. As a burgeoning IT services company, EDS sought to expand its global footprint, and Iran, under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, presented a promising market. An executive doing business in Iran had recommended that EDS first establish a relationship with a key figure named Mahvi. By May 1975, Perot and Mahvi were dining together at Dallas' Petroleum Club, laying the groundwork for what was hoped to be a lucrative partnership. EDS secured a substantial contract with the Iranian government to computerize its social security system, a massive undertaking that promised significant revenue.

However, the relationship soon soured. By the end of 1978, the Iranian government had not been coming through on its part of the existing contract. The situation escalated to the point where the Iranian government owed EDS a staggering $5 million. Ross Perot, the man in charge of EDS, saw things differently than his Iranian counterparts. He viewed the non-payment as a serious breach, a challenge to his company's integrity and financial stability. This growing financial dispute, coupled with the escalating political instability within Iran, set the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold.

The Iranian Revolution and the Arrests

The late 1970s marked a period of immense upheaval in Iran. The autocratic rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi faced increasing opposition, leading to widespread protests and ultimately, the Iranian Revolution. As the Shah was overthrown by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the country descended into chaos and a new, fiercely anti-Western Islamic Republic began to take shape. This tumultuous environment created a perilous situation for foreign nationals, especially Americans, who were viewed with suspicion and hostility.

Amidst this escalating instability, two executives of Electronic Data Systems, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gayden, were arrested on false charges and subsequently imprisoned. Their detention was not merely a legal matter but a political one, intertwined with the broader anti-American sentiment sweeping the nation. This event occurred just as the 1979 Iran hostage crisis began to unfold, which would set the stage for the U.S. Presidential election pitting Democrat Jimmy Carter against Republican Ronald Reagan. In this highly charged atmosphere, Perot’s swashbuckling tale of private enterprise and personal loyalty took on a heroic dimension that resonated deeply with the American public.

The arrests were a direct consequence of the political turmoil and the financial dispute with EDS. The Iranian authorities, now under revolutionary control, used the executives as leverage, demanding the outstanding $5 million payment and setting bail at an exorbitant US$13 million (equivalent to 90 million Iranian Toman at the time). The situation was dire, and conventional diplomatic channels proved ineffective, prompting Ross Perot to take extraordinary measures.

Perot's Unconventional Approach to Rescue

Upon learning of his employees' imprisonment, Ross Perot immediately sprang into action. As the head of EDS, he traveled to Tehran to negotiate for their release. He attempted to engage with the captors, trying to negotiate with the Islamic activists, but he didn't have any luck. Sensing that he couldn't get through to them through traditional means, Perot realized that a different, more audacious strategy was required. His willingness to support his people was legendary, and he was not about to abandon his employees to the vagaries of a revolutionary justice system.

Perot decided to launch a private rescue operation. He brought together a team, led by an extraordinary figure: retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons. Colonel Simons was a former special operations hero, renowned for his leadership of the Son Tay prison raid during the Vietnam War, an unsuccessful but daring attempt to rescue American POWs. Perot essentially hired a private army, a "rainbow 5 type rescue team," to get to Tehran and rescue his stranded and incarcerated executives. This was a highly unusual and risky endeavor, but Perot was known for his unconventional thinking and his unwavering determination.

Ross Perot used some "football philosophy" in planning the successful rescue mission of his two Electronic Data Systems employees held in an Iranian jail. This meant a focus on teamwork, strategic planning, and aggressive execution, much like a well-coached football team. The mission was fraught with challenges. The work was slowed by a lack of infrastructure in Iran and rising instability. The team had to navigate a chaotic and hostile environment, facing unknown dangers and unpredictable revolutionary forces. This fascinating history, where a CEO and a former special operations hero conducted a private rescue operation, captured the imagination of many.

The Daring Mission: "On Wings of Eagles"

The private rescue operation, spearheaded by Colonel Bull Simons and funded by Ross Perot, was a testament to courage and meticulous planning. In 1979, after two of his employees working in Iran were arrested, Ross Perot brought together a team to get to Tehran and rescue them. The plan involved not only breaking them out of prison but also navigating them safely out of the country, which was rapidly closing its borders to foreigners.

The team, under Simons' leadership, began by looking for black smuggling routes out of Iran. They even studied previous successful exfiltrations, though Perot's own operation would become a case study for others, as evidenced by later intelligence operations like those conducted by Tony Mendez and his team, who reportedly studied "billionaire Ross Perot's successful exfiltration of two of his employees from Iran the year before." This highlights the significant impact and unique nature of the Ross Perot Iran rescue.

The mission itself was fraught with peril. The EDS employees, Paul Chiapparone and Bill Gayden, were held in the infamous Gasr Prison in Tehran. The rescue involved a coordinated effort, taking advantage of the chaos and a prison riot instigated by local Iranian EDS employees who were loyal to Perot and his cause. This diversion allowed Simons' team to enter the prison and extract the two executives. The exfiltration from Iran was equally challenging, requiring careful navigation through revolutionary checkpoints and across hostile terrain.

The gripping story of this rescue was immortalized in Ken Follett's bestselling book, "On Wings of Eagles," published in 1983. Follett's narrative brought the daring mission to a global audience, portraying it as a true story about how Ross Perot created a "rainbow 5 type rescue team" and recovered his stranded and incarcerated executives. The book was later adapted into a popular television miniseries in 1986, starring Burt Lancaster as Colonel Bull Simons and Richard Crenna as Ross Perot. The miniseries, like the book, depicted a soaring tale of courage, inspired by true events, further cementing the legend of the Ross Perot Iran rescue in public consciousness. While some accounts suggest Perot could "grow a tall tale," the core events of the rescue are widely acknowledged and celebrated.

Legacy and Impact of the Ross Perot Iran Rescue

The successful rescue of his two EDS executives from Iran profoundly impacted Ross Perot's public image and solidified his reputation as a leader who would go to extraordinary lengths for his people. Perot’s willingness to support his people became legendary, underscored by this audacious private operation. It demonstrated a unique blend of corporate responsibility and personal courage, distinguishing him from typical business magnates.

The Ross Perot Iran rescue also became a significant cultural touchstone. During the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, which dominated headlines and set the stage for the U.S. Presidential election, Perot’s swashbuckling tale took on a powerful narrative, offering a stark contrast to the perceived helplessness of the U.S. government in securing the release of its citizens. This private victory resonated deeply with an American public frustrated by the ongoing hostage situation and the broader geopolitical challenges of the era.

Beyond the immediate human triumph, the rescue had broader implications. It served as a real-world case study for future exfiltration operations, demonstrating the feasibility and complexities of private sector involvement in such high-stakes scenarios. As mentioned, intelligence agencies reportedly studied Perot's methods. The event also contributed to Perot's later political career, as it showcased his decisive leadership and his "can-do" attitude, qualities he would later emphasize in his presidential campaigns.

After the success of his Iran rescue, Ross Perot had taken on new crusades. He was known for rampaging across the state, whipping up sentiment for a war against drugs and against what he perceived as lax morals. This reflects his continued commitment to causes he believed in, often employing the same direct and uncompromising approach that characterized the Iran rescue.

In the corporate world, EDS continued to thrive under Perot's leadership. Eventually, General Motors acquired EDS in 1984, and Perot became a major GM shareholder and served on its board. He later left GM to found Perot Systems in 1988, another successful IT services company. In 2009, computer manufacturer Dell acquired Perot Systems for $3.9 billion to expand its global IT services capabilities, a testament to the enduring value of the companies Perot built. Perot eventually became chairman emeritus, with his son, Ross Jr., assuming the dual roles of CEO and board chair. Perot also embraced the entrepreneurial spirit of others, often investing in and mentoring new ventures.

Beyond the Rescue: Perot's Philanthropic Endeavors

While the Ross Perot Iran rescue cemented his image as a man of action, Perot's legacy extends far beyond his business acumen and daring exploits. He was a dedicated philanthropist, generously contributing to a wide array of causes that reflected his values and interests. His commitment to public service and community well-being was a consistent thread throughout his life.

Perot and his family were significant benefactors to numerous organizations. In lieu of flowers, following his passing, his family asked that memorial contributions be made to several of Ross’ favorite charities. These included:

The Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, reflecting his belief in youth development and character building.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, a world-class institution that promotes scientific literacy and education.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, supporting medical research and healthcare advancements.
The Salvation Army DFW, providing aid to those in need.
The North Texas Food Bank, addressing food insecurity in his home region.
The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, supporting home healthcare services.
Teach for America, dedicated to educational equity.

These philanthropic efforts underscore Perot's deep-seated commitment to improving society, demonstrating that his willingness to support his people extended far beyond his corporate employees to the broader community. His contributions left a lasting positive impact on education, science, healthcare, and social welfare, cementing his legacy not just as a business titan and a daring rescuer, but as a compassionate humanitarian.

Conclusion

The story of the Ross Perot Iran rescue is more than just a thrilling anecdote; it's a profound illustration of a leader's unwavering dedication to his team, even in the face of immense geopolitical turmoil. Ross Perot's decision to launch a private, high-stakes mission to free his imprisoned employees from revolutionary Iran showcased his unique brand of leadership—bold, unconventional, and deeply loyal. It was a moment where corporate responsibility met daring special operations, creating a narrative that captivated the world and left an indelible mark on history.

From the initial business dealings in Iran to the dramatic prison break and exfiltration, Perot's actions underscored his belief that his people were his most valuable asset, worth any risk. This fascinating history not only highlighted his character but also provided a compelling counter-narrative to the broader U.S.-Iran relations of the time. The legacy of this extraordinary event, immortalized in literature and film, continues to inspire discussions on leadership, corporate ethics, and the lengths to which an individual might go for those under their care.

What are your thoughts on Ross Perot's daring mission? Do you believe his approach was justified, or perhaps too risky? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore our other articles on crisis leadership and historical events that shaped our world.

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Ross Perot's Daring Iran Rescue: A Legend Forged In Crisis

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