April 25, 1980 - Day 174
The U.S. military aborts a hostage rescue attempt due to mechanical problems and a severe sandstorm. While withdrawing, a helicopter collides with a transport plane. Eight servicemen are killed in the resulting crash. Carter addresses the nation and takes responsibility for the mission's failure.

Newsfootage: Reuters (QuickTime or RealVideo required) read transcript

Reactions:

My thanks to Mr. Carter and to those who volunteered. The ones who did not return at least gave their lives for something worthwhile. I wouldn't have voted for Carter before but I will now.

Tampa Tribune
Robert L. Wooten, Letter to the Editor

So that's what our almighty government has had up its sleeve since Day One to help our 50 brave American hostages in Iran -- a military slapstick comedy routine, played out in the deserts of Iran!

Denver Post
Sheldon J. Potter, Letter to the Editor

People have been severely criticizing Carter for doing nothing. But now when he does something and it doesn't work he is going to be severely criticized again.

Minneapolis Tribune
Arvid Laingen, brother of a hostage, quoted in "Minnesota Relatives of Hostages Differ Sharply on Rescue Mission"

I think Carter is too slack. The first week it happened he should have put the pressure on them; showed 'em that we were going to light into them if we didn't get those hostages back.

Birmingham Post-Herald
John Thomas, quoted in "Rescue Try Receives Praise, Criticism Here"

It turned out unfortunately sad and tragic, but I am proud that it was at least attempted. All those politicians and news reporters who are trying to make President Carter out to be a fool because of its tragic failure would have been the first to jump on the bandwagon and called him a hero if it had turned out to be a success.

Denver Post
Lee Schweighart, Letter to the Editor

I'm sad that it didn't work. I think it was very important to try. I think we should have tried again today because no on would have expected it. I think everyone in the United States should stand behind James Carter, and I'm not a Carter fan.

Birmingham Post-Herald
Daisey Staley, quoted in "Rescue Try Receives Praise, Criticism Here"

I wasn't particularly surprised that they did it, but I wish they hadn't waited so long. If it wasn't an election year they might not have ever gotten around to it. But it's too late. You can't deal with those people. You're not dealing with rational people over there in Iran. It's like talking to a drunk, it doesn't do any good.

San Francisco Examiner
Irving Bierman, quoted in "Incident Leaves Bay Public Sad, Frustrated"

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