Scott O’Grady

Scott O’Grady, born on October 12, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, developed an early passion for aviation, obtaining his pilot’s license as a teenager. He pursued his dream by attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s campus in Prescott, Arizona, and joined the Air Force ROTC program. Commissioned in April 1989, O’Grady completed his military pilot training and specialized in flying the F-16. His early career included missions along the demilitarized zone in Korea and combat missions in the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, showcasing his dedication to military service.

O’Grady became widely known due to an incident on June 2, 1995, during NATO’s Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. While patrolling, his F-16C was struck by a surface-to-air missile, forcing him to eject into hostile territory. He evaded Bosnian Serb forces for six days, utilizing survival training to endure in the wilderness. This harrowing experience culminated in a daring rescue operation by US Marines, which brought him significant national attention and earned him a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The incident was loosely adapted into the 2001 film “Behind Enemy Lines.”

Following his active duty, O’Grady transferred to the Air Force Reserve, continuing to fly the F-16. He furthered his education, earning a master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2007. O’Grady has authored two books, “Return with Honor” and “Basher Five-Two: The True Story of F-16 Fighter Pilot Captain Scott O’Grady,” detailing his experiences. He has also been involved in political activities, including a run for the Texas State Senate in 2011 and a nomination for Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in 2020.