Harrison Ford, widely recognized as the iconic protagonist of the beloved “Indiana Jones” series, has not only portrayed a hero on the silver screen but has also proven to be one in real life.
In 2001, Ford came to the rescue of a 13-year-old Boy Scout named Cody Clawson, who found himself alone and stranded in the Wyoming wilderness. After going missing near Yellowstone National Park, Cody spent a harrowing 18 hours, including an entire night, curled up in a cave. According to an ABC News interview, Ford’s intervention played a crucial role in ensuring Cody’s safe return.
Clawson, recalling the incident, expressed his fear as he recounted the night when it rained and sleeted. He described it as a rather daunting experience.
In the middle of the night, Clawson was abruptly awakened by the noise of airplanes and helicopters.
“I began searching for a spacious area where I could communicate with them,” he reminisced. “To catch their attention, I utilized my belt buckle to reflect the gleaming sunlight. Upon noticing the signal, they swiftly descended and landed.”
Harrison Ford Rescues Lost Boy Scout, Becomes Real-Life Hero
Clawson was taken aback when he spotted the helicopter coming to his rescue. To his surprise, the pilot turned out to be none other than the renowned Harrison Ford, a true hero both on and off the screen.
Clawson recalled the moment when he heard a familiar voice saying, “Good morning,” and immediately recognized it as the voice from “Star Wars.” He shared how the person asked about his well-being and praised him, saying, “You certainly should have earned a merit badge for this.”
Ford resided part-time in Jackson, Wyoming, where he actively engaged in volunteer rescue missions due to his extensive flying experience and possession of a helicopter. It is worth mentioning that Clawson was not the initial individual saved by Ford in these endeavors.
In July of 2000, Ford rescued a hiker named Megan Freeman from Table Mountain in Teton County, Idaho. Megan had successfully climbed the 11,106-foot mountain but was affected by altitude sickness and dehydration, rendering her unable to descend on her own. Ford came to her aid, lifting her off the mountain and transporting her to a hospital in Driggs, Idaho. This incident was reported by CBS News.
It turns out that the rumors were indeed accurate: Ford, who is now 81 years old, is a genuine hero in real life.
