Harold L. Lewis graduated from E.O. Smith in 1963.  After graduating he joined the Air Force.  On April 25, 1980, after years of service, Major Lewis volunteered for a special, secret mission.  This mission was an attempt to free the 52 Americans who were being held captive in the U.S embassy in Iran. 

As many of you may know, this mission wasn’t a success.  A number of aircraft involved in the rescue attempt were lost, killing not only Major Lewis, but seven other men as well.  The 52 Americans who were being held captive were eventually freed, but not because of this heroic mission.

Today, one can see the a special monument in Arlington National Cemetery honoring Major Lewis, as well as the other men who attempted to rescue the hostages.  

Sources:
    http://www.helis.com/featured/eagle_claw.php
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis
    http://rescueattempt.tripod.com/id14.html

Picture: http://rescueattempt.tripod.com/id14.html