During this time, with World War II being fought by Allied forces in two theaters, the draft was altered so that college students were eligible.

Vaught was later injured in an auto accident which resulted in him being evacuated, in a full body cast, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Eight service members died and four were injured in the operation when one of the helicopters on the mission collided with a transport aircraft in the remote Iranian desert.

Although President Carter went on television the next day to announce the failure of the mission and to accept the blame, Congress and the Pentagon launched inquiries to determine the reasons for the tragedy.

The major criticism was of the "ad hoc" nature of the task force, a chain of command the commission felt was unclear, and an emphasis on operational secrecy it found excessive.

The commission also said the chances for success would have been improved if more backup helicopters had been provided and if a rehearsal of all mission components had been held.

While Vaught died of asphyxia due to drowning, the coroner stated that his body also showed signs of cardiac disease.