"The memory of Desert One propelled a generation, of which I am
a part, to assure that America would never again repeat that
searing, transforming experience of the 25th of April 1980."
Source: Gen. Norton Schwartz (USAF), speaking on
the 25th anniversary of "Operation Eagle Claw." Otherwise known as
Desert One, the mission to rescue 53 US hostages held by militants
in Iran was aborted. Eight air crewmen were lost. But even though
the mission failed, it served as an inspiration to citizens and
service members alike -- to honor those who've fallen in the line
of duty.