After nearly two months in captivity, the hostage reviewed what his fate might hold — whether ransom negotiations or rescue efforts or a miracle might bring him freedom.

“One option was for the money to arrive and be ransomed,” the 61-year-old engineer from Ohio told Army Times, speaking on the condition that he remain anonymous. “In my mind, I’d given a military intervention a one out of a hundred chance. Not that they couldn’t do it, but they’re busy, and I’m not that important a fellow.”

However, on an airstrip many miles away, twin sets of Chinook helicopter rotor blades were starting to turn as about 60 of America’s most elite troops prepared to prove him wrong.

This is the story of one of the most daring and successful U.S. hostage-rescue missions in years.