In July 2001, a rescue mission straight out of an adventure movie unfolded near Yellowstone National Park. Actor Harrison Ford, best known for portraying Indiana Jones and Han Solo, stepped into the role of a real-life hero when he piloted his helicopter to rescue 13-year-old Boy Scout Cody Clawson.
Cody, a member of Troop 241 from Huntsville, Utah, had gone missing in the Targhee National Forest while carrying supplies to his campsite. Wearing only a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals, he became lost on July 10 and was forced to endure a cold, rainy night alone. He sheltered under a rock outcropping, waiting for help as search efforts began.
The following morning, the search expanded to include helicopters. Among the volunteer pilots was Ford, a part-time Wyoming resident and experienced flyer who had already participated in search and rescue missions. Flying his Bell 407 helicopter, Ford joined the mission on July 11. After about two hours, he and his team spotted Cody 10 miles from camp. Cold, hungry, and exhausted but safe, Cody was airlifted to safety.
Ford greeted the boy with humor, saying, “Boy, you sure must have earned a merit badge for this one.” Cody quipped back, “I already earned this badge last summer.”
The rescue left a deep impression on Cody and his family, who valued Ford’s kindness more than any autograph. For Ford, it was another example of his ongoing commitment to search and rescue missions, a role he has embraced alongside his acting career. His actions that day cemented his reputation not just as a screen legend, but as a real-life hero.
