really, really dangerous and carries a high risk, the hostage him or herself could be injured or killed. you need some body at a high level to say i am authorizing this mission. >> reporter: knowing the risks the authorization came from the top u.s. commander in afghanistan, general john allen. special forces landed by helicopter, setting off a fire fight, leaving several taliban fighters dead. joseph was air lifted to bagram air base, but the victory came at a price. the u.s. service member injured trying to rescue joseph, died of his wounds. the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of an american doctor who otherwise may have been killed. as a civilian hostage, joseph didn't have the same survival training or instincts as a soldier. in this case u.s. officials decided publicizing it could further endanger his safety and that is why it was kept under raps until the mission was over. her family confirmed that