Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages - A Bold Act

01 Jul, 2025

Back in 1979, a truly remarkable event took place, one that captured the attention of many people and, in a way, shaped the public image of a well-known businessman. This was a time when the situation in Iran was quite unsettled, and a particular episode involving American citizens caught in the middle became a major point of discussion. It was during this period that a story of private initiative and daring action unfolded, something that would become a key part of the public narrative surrounding a person named Ross Perot. The whole situation, you know, just showed a lot about his character and his approach to challenges.

The story at hand centers on a private mission, organized and paid for by this individual, to bring home two of his company's workers who were held in Iran. This wasn't a government operation; it was something put together by a person who felt a strong personal responsibility for his people. The account of this particular rescue, in some respects, has become a famous part of his life story, showing up in nearly every telling of what he accomplished. It's a tale that, like, really sticks with you, highlighting a willingness to act when others might hesitate.

At the time, the larger Iran hostage crisis was also going on, which, you know, set a very serious background for the country's political scene. That bigger situation, involving American embassy staff, was a huge deal, and it played a part in the upcoming presidential race between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. But separate from that, there was this other, more personal drama playing out, where a businessman decided to take things into his own hands. It really does make you wonder, doesn't it, about what drives someone to go to such lengths for their employees.

Ross Perot - A Life of Action
How Did the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Happen?
The Planning and Escape of the Ross Perot Iran Hostages Mission
A Bigger Picture - The Iran Hostage Crisis and Ross Perot
What Was the Cost of the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages?
The Legacy of the Ross Perot Iran Hostages Event
Was the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages a Tall Tale?
Beyond the Hostages - Ross Perot's Other Rescues

Ross Perot - A Life of Action

Ross Perot, a figure known for his very direct way of doing things, had a reputation for getting results. Many people who talk about his life often point to this particular event in Iran as a clear example of his ability to make things happen. He was, you know, someone who seemed to have a strong drive to solve problems, especially when people he cared about were in trouble. This quality, that is, of being a person who acts rather than just talks, became a defining part of his public persona, and it's something that really set him apart.

His story, in a way, paints a picture of someone who didn't wait for others to take charge. When two of his company's top people found themselves in a difficult spot in a foreign country, he didn't just sit back. Instead, he took it upon himself to organize a way to bring them home. This kind of personal commitment, you know, is something that really resonated with many people, showing a type of leadership that was, perhaps, a bit outside the usual. It was a very hands-on approach to a very serious problem.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Ross Perot

Full Name	Henry Ross Perot
Born	June 27, 1930
Place of Birth	Texarkana, Texas
Known For	Businessman, Presidential Candidate, Philanthropist
Company Founded	Electronic Data Systems (EDS)
Key Event	Financed the rescue of two EDS employees from Iran in 1979

How Did the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages Happen?

The events that led to this remarkable rescue began in late 1978. On December 28, to be exact, two important executives from Ross Perot's company, Electronic Data Systems, or EDS, were taken into custody in Iran. They were, you know, jailed in connection with a contract issue. The situation quickly became quite serious, with their release requiring a very large sum of money. The amount set for their freedom was, in fact, a staggering $12.75 million, which, like, was a huge sum of money back then, and even now.

Given the difficult circumstances, with his employees held captive and a large sum of money demanded, Perot made a very clear decision. He chose to finance a rescue mission himself. This wasn't a small undertaking; it involved putting together a special group of people to go into a country that was experiencing a lot of political upheaval. It was, in a way, a very bold move, showing his dedication to the people who worked for him. He was, apparently, not someone who would leave his people behind, no matter the cost or the risk involved.

The story of this mission is, you know, something that has been told in various ways, including in a book that really explains the whole thing. This book shares the story of how Perot, a businessman from Texas, put up the money and organized this effort to free his two employees. They were, it seemed, wrongly held in a prison in Iran. This whole situation, you know, really shows the lengths to which a person might go to protect those connected to them, especially when they feel a strong sense of responsibility.

The Planning and Escape of the Ross Perot Iran Hostages Mission

When it came to planning the rescue, Ross Perot, it seems, drew upon some rather interesting ideas. The information suggests he used a kind of "football philosophy" to put together the successful plan. This probably means he thought about strategy, teamwork, and executing a plan with precision, much like a coach would prepare a team for a big game. It was, you know, a way of approaching a very serious and dangerous situation with a clear set of steps and a strong focus on the outcome. This approach, you know, must have been key to making the whole thing work.

The actual escape was, by all accounts, quite daring. The team that Perot had put together managed to time their move with a prison riot. This riot was, apparently, started by revolutionary groups, which created a lot of chaos and distraction. During this confusion, Perot's team was able to, you know, snatch the two EDS employees. It was a very tense moment, and the timing had to be just right for it to succeed. This part of the story, you know, really highlights the bravery of the people involved in getting them out.

After getting the employees out of the prison, the team began what was described as a "heroic dash" for the Turkish border. They made their way out of Iran in two Land Rovers, and the journey itself took two days. This was, like, a very quick escape, especially considering the difficult conditions and the political unrest in the country at the time. The fact that they managed to get out so quickly, you know, speaks volumes about the planning and the determination of Perot's people. It was a very tight schedule, and they pulled it off.

A Bigger Picture - The Iran Hostage Crisis and Ross Perot

It's important to remember that this private rescue happened against the backdrop of a much larger and more public event: the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. While Perot's employees were captured in December 1978 and rescued in February 1979, the more widely known crisis involving American embassy workers began later that year. By November 1979, almost a full year after Perot's EDS employees were taken, 52 American embassy workers would also be held captive. This, you know, really shows the widespread unrest and the dangers present in Iran at that time.

The two situations, while distinct, both highlight the severe challenges faced by Americans in Iran during that period of revolution. Perot's successful private effort, in a way, stood out because it showed that action could be taken, even when official channels seemed slow or ineffective. It was, you know, a very different kind of operation compared to the governmental efforts to free the embassy staff. This contrast, perhaps, contributed to the legendary status of Perot's mission, making it seem even more remarkable.

The fact that Perot bankrolled an effort to help when revolution gripped Iran also speaks to his broader approach to global events. He seemed to have a strong sense of responsibility, not just for his own company's staff, but also, perhaps, for the well-being of Americans in general when facing danger. This personal intervention, you know, was a very significant act, showing a willingness to step in where others might not have dared. It truly was a unique situation.

What Was the Cost of the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages?

As mentioned, the initial demand for the release of the two EDS executives was set at a very high amount: $12.75 million. This figure alone tells you a lot about the financial stakes involved in their capture. Ross Perot, you know, was the one who put up the money for this entire operation. This wasn't something he sought reimbursement for from the government; it was a personal investment in the freedom of his people. It's, like, a really strong statement about how much he valued his employees.

The cost wasn't just about the bail money, either. Financing a private rescue mission, with all the planning, travel, and risk involved, would have added considerably to the overall expense. While the exact total financial outlay isn't detailed, the fact that Perot took on this burden himself underscores his commitment. It was, you know, a very significant personal expense for him, demonstrating a type of loyalty that is, perhaps, not always seen in business. He basically put his money where his mouth was, you know, to make sure his people were safe.

This willingness to spend such a large sum of money for the rescue, in some respects, further cemented his image as someone who truly "gets things done." It showed that he was prepared to back his intentions with substantial resources, not just words. This aspect of the story, you know, really adds to the sense of how serious and important the whole undertaking was to him. It was a very real and very costly commitment, and he followed through with it.

The Legacy of the Ross Perot Iran Hostages Event

The story of the Ross Perot rescue of his Iran hostages quickly became, you know, a widely recognized tale. It was so impactful that it even inspired a movie. This film featured well-known actors like Burt Lancaster, Richard Crenna, Paul Le Mat, and Jim Metzler. The movie depicted a situation where executives from an important Texas company were taken captive during the Iranian revolution, and a magnate, much like Perot, launched a special unit to bring them home. This, you know, shows how much the public was captivated by the sheer audacity of the mission.

Beyond the big screen, the event also found its way into books. Ken Follett, a well-known author, enshrined Perot's 1979 "rescue" of the two Electronic Data Systems executives from a Tehran prison in one of his works. This literary recognition further solidified the story's place in public memory. It's, like, really interesting how a real-life event can become part of popular culture and, perhaps, even inspire future generations to think about courage and initiative. The story, you know, just kept being told and retold.

The rescue mission also played a part in the lives of those involved in different ways. For instance, a Texas man who was later accused of insider trading related to Dell Inc.'s planned purchase of Perot Systems Corp was, in fact, someone who helped rescue the two American hostages from Iran in 1979. This detail, reported by the Wall Street Journal, connects the rescue to other parts of Perot's business life and the people who worked with him. It's, you know, a reminder that these historical events often have many layers and connections to other stories.

Was the Ross Perot Rescue Iran Hostages a Tall Tale?

While the Ross Perot rescue of his Iran hostages is widely celebrated, there's also a suggestion that Perot himself, you know, had a knack for storytelling. The text mentions that "Ross Perot sure can grow a tall tale, and the proof is now on video." This doesn't necessarily mean the rescue didn't happen, but it hints that Perot might have, perhaps, embellished aspects of the story over time, or presented it in a way that amplified its dramatic elements. It's, like, a common thing for public figures to do, you know, to make their stories even more compelling.

The idea of a "tall tale" might suggest that while the core event of the rescue is true, some of the details or the way it was presented could have been, in a way, made more exciting for public consumption. This isn't unusual for events that become part of a person's legend. The fact that it's mentioned in connection with video evidence, you know, points to how his public accounts of the event were perceived. It's a very interesting point to consider when looking back at such a famous episode.

Despite any potential for exaggeration, the fundamental facts remain: Perot did organize and fund a mission to free his employees from an Iranian prison. The rescue did work, and two Americans were brought out of a Tehran prison. So, while the presentation might have had some flair, the underlying achievement was, apparently, very real. It's, like, a testament to his determination, even if the narrative around it grew a little larger than life over time. This kind of story, you know, often takes on a life of its own.

Beyond the Hostages - Ross Perot's Other Rescues

The text suggests that the Iran hostage rescue wasn't an isolated incident for Ross Perot. It seems he had, in a way, a consistent drive to help out in difficult situations. The phrase "Ross Perot seems to have this compulsion about rescuing things" really captures this aspect of his character. It implies a pattern of behavior, a deep-seated need to step in and fix problems, especially when people or institutions are in trouble. This, you know, is a very strong personality trait to have.

In the 1970s, before the Iran hostage situation, he was, apparently, called upon to help "rescue Wall Street." This suggests he played a role in stabilizing or assisting the financial world during a period of difficulty. It shows that his willingness to intervene and take decisive action extended beyond just his own company or employees. He was, like, seen as someone who could come in and sort things out, even on a much larger scale. This kind of reputation, you know, is something that takes time to build.

His decision to bankroll an effort when revolution gripped Iran also fits into this broader pattern of "rescuing things." It wasn't just about the two EDS employees; it was about taking action in a chaotic and dangerous environment. This consistent theme of intervention and problem-solving, you know, really defines a significant part of Ross Perot's public life and his personal philosophy. He seemed to be someone who truly believed in taking direct action when facing a crisis.

This article has looked into the remarkable story of Ross Perot's private mission to rescue two of his employees from Iran during a time of great upheaval. We've explored how this event became a legendary part of his life story, showing his determination to act when faced with a crisis. We also touched on the planning involved, the dramatic escape, and the financial commitment Perot made. The article also considered the broader context of the Iran hostage crisis, the enduring legacy of the rescue, including its portrayal in popular culture, and the idea that Perot had a general inclination towards "rescuing" various situations, not just this one. The narrative, you know, really highlights a unique individual and a very bold action.

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