Operation Eagle Claw Shoulder Patch — Desert One, April 1980 Operation Eagle Claw was the bold attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran — courage in the face of catastrophe. This embroidered shoulder patch commemorates Operation Eagle Claw, the April 24, 1980 mission to rescue 52 American hostages held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. The mission ended in tragedy at Desert One, a remote staging area in the Iranian desert, when a helicopter collision caused a fire that killed eight American servicemen. Despite the failure, Operation Eagle Claw demonstrated extraordinary courage and directly led to the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The sacrifices at Desert One changed special operations forever. Perfect For: Special operations heritage fans, Iranian Hostage Crisis historians, Desert One commemoration supporters, and military operation shoulder patch collectors. Eagle Claw — Desert One, never forgotten.
