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Abbas DoranIranian pilot, hero of the Iran-Iraq war, colonel
Date of Birth: 22.10.1950
Country:  Iran |
Content:
- Hero of the Iran-Iraq War: Colonel Abbas Doran
- Combat Missions
- The Al-Rashid Hotel Incident
- Valiant Sacrifice
- Legacy and Recognition
Hero of the Iran-Iraq War: Colonel Abbas Doran
Early Life and Military CareerBorn in 1953, Abbas Doran rose through the ranks of the Iranian Air Force, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel. With the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, Doran's exceptional piloting skills quickly became apparent.
Combat Missions
From the beginning of the war until 1982, Doran flew over 900 combat missions, demonstrating unwavering bravery and a meticulous approach to his duties. His success in air-to-ground strikes was renowned throughout the Iranian Air Force.
The Al-Rashid Hotel Incident
On July 21, 1982, Doran embarked on a bombing mission targeting the Al-Dura refinery in southern Baghdad. After successfully releasing his payload, his F-4 aircraft was struck by Iraqi air defenses. While his co-pilot ejected and was captured, Colonel Doran remained at the controls.
Valiant Sacrifice
Determined to deny Saddam Hussein a propaganda victory, Doran directed his damaged plane towards the Iraqi capital. With a thunderous explosion, he crashed into the Al-Rashid Hotel, where the Non-Aligned Movement conference was scheduled to take place. The attack forced the conference to be relocated to New Delhi, shattering Hussein's hopes of showcasing Iraq's stability.
Legacy and Recognition
Doran's sacrifice became a symbol of Iranian patriotism and military prowess. Twenty years later, in 2002, Iraq returned his remains to Iran. He was laid to rest with full military honors in his hometown of Shiraz. Colonel Abbas Doran remains an enduring hero of the Iran-Iraq War, his memory serving as an inspiration to generations of Iranian military personnel.
