In the summer of 2001, a 13-year-old Boy Scout named Cody Clawson found himself lost in the vast wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. What began as a routine camping trip with his troop quickly turned into a harrowing survival story. After more than 18 hours alone in the wild, Clawson was rescued in a dramatic and heartwarming moment—by none other than Harrison Ford. The story of Cody Clawson’s rescue continues to resonate today, not only because of the famous name involved, but because of the courage, compassion, and unexpected heroism at its core. For anyone interested in Yellowstone rescue stories or tales of real-life celebrity heroism, this one is unforgettable.

Clawson had traveled from his hometown of Huntsville, Utah, to Yellowstone with Troop 241. The group was staying at the Loll Boy Scout Camp when, on July 9, Cody was returning to camp with supplies from a nearby parking lot. Mistaking another camper for his father, he followed the wrong person and soon realized he was completely lost. As he wandered deeper into the park, his situation grew more dire. Nightfall brought rain and sleet, and with only a soaked t-shirt, shorts, and sandals, Clawson took shelter in a small cave. He later told ABC News that he narrowly avoided a group of bears passing nearby, adding to the terror of the night.

By morning, Clawson had been missing for over 15 hours. A massive search effort was underway, and among the volunteers was Harrison Ford, who lived part-time in nearby Jackson, Wyoming. Known for his roles as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Ford was also a trained pilot with a history of participating in search-and-rescue missions. Just a year earlier, he had rescued a stranded hiker on Wyoming’s Table Mountain using his helicopter.

As Ford and a fellow rescuer flew over Yellowstone in search of the missing boy, Clawson used his Boy Scout training to signal for help. He angled his belt buckle toward the sky, hoping the reflection would catch a pilot’s eye. It worked. The helicopter spotted the glint and landed nearby. A rescuer approached Clawson, calling out his name and leading him to safety. Before boarding, the rescuer told him he was about to meet someone unexpected. At the time, Clawson was just relieved to be found. But once inside the helicopter, he heard a familiar voice say, “Good morning.”

That voice, Clawson later recalled, sounded just like Han Solo. When he turned to look, he realized it really was Harrison Ford. “Oh my God, Han Solo has just rescued me, how cool is that,” he told the Daily Mail. Ford flew Clawson to a makeshift rescue center and joked, “Boy, you sure must have earned a merit badge for this one.” Clawson replied that he had already earned one the previous summer, a moment that reportedly amused the actor.

Ford’s contribution was more than symbolic. According to Teton County Sheriff Bob Zimmer, Ford’s volunteer effort saved the department $1,000 an hour, the typical cost of hiring a private pilot. Ford later told reporters, “I’m gonna fly anyway so I might as well fly search and rescue and help people.” I found this detail striking—it’s a reminder that public figures can use their resources in deeply meaningful ways.

Back home, Clawson’s peers were amazed by his experience. While he didn’t walk away with an autograph, he did get a hug and a handshake from the Hollywood icon. “That’s better,” he said. Though initially embarrassed by the ordeal, Clawson’s story became a source of inspiration and admiration.

Years later, Clawson went on to live a quiet, fulfilling life. He married his wife, Kelsi, and they now live in Ogden, Utah, with their son, Kael. Clawson works for a medical company that manufactures filters for dialysis machines. Periodically, he gives interviews about his experience and continues to express gratitude toward Ford. “He had always been somebody I looked up to and appreciated,” Clawson told the Daily Mail. “And what he did gave me a different perspective on stars.”

In 2015, Clawson’s story resurfaced when Ford was injured in a plane crash in Los Angeles. Upon hearing the news, Clawson’s first thought was concern. “This guy saved my life,” he said. “I just hope he gets better and can help other people in the future. He’s a genuine hero, not just in the films, he’s a great man.”

Stories like Cody Clawson’s offer a rare glimpse into the intersection of celebrity and real-world heroism. They remind us that courage and kindness can come from unexpected places, and that sometimes, the heroes we admire on screen are just as admirable off it. For those interested in Yellowstone survival stories or real-life rescues involving celebrities, this tale remains a powerful example of humanity and hope.

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