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In September 1955, missionary pilot Nate Saint first discovered the Waodani, a previously uncontacted tribe that lived deep in the jungle. They were known for their violence against both their own people, and foreigners who entered their land. (The Waodani were known at the time as "Aucas", a Quechua word meaning "naked ones" or "savages".) Saint made his discovery known to Elliot and Fleming, and an effort to reach them was materialized. These efforts became known as "Operation Auca".

In September 1955, missionary pilot Nate Saint first discovered the Waodani, a previously uncontacted tribe that lived deep in the jungle. They were known for their violence against both their own people, and foreigners who entered their land. (The Waodani were known at the time as "Aucas", a Quechua word meaning "naked ones" or "savages".) Saint made his discovery known to Elliot and Fleming, and an effort to reach them was materialized. These efforts became known as "Operation Auca".

Sain was able to land his small bush plane on a 650 foot sandbar along the Curaray River in Waodani territory. There, Elliot and the four other men set up a camp hoping to make peaceful contact with the natives. This occurred on January 6, when three Waodani emerged from the jungle.

Sain was able to land his small bush plane on a 650-foot sandbar along the Curaray River in Waodani territory. There, Elliot and the four other men set up a camp hoping to make peaceful contact with the natives. This occurred on January 6, when three Waodani emerged from the jungle.

Then two days later on January 8, the Waodani returned in greater numbers. The men were ambushed on the beach and all five were killed. Elliot's body was later recovered from the Curaray River with a chanta wood spear through his abdomen. He was buried nearby with three other of the missionaries.

Then two days later on January 8, the Waodani returned in greater numbers. The men were ambushed on the beach and all five were killed. Elliot's body was later recovered from the Curaray River with a chanta wood spear through his abdomen. He was buried nearby with three other of the missionaries.

==Legacy==

==Legacy==

The deaths of the five men invigorated the missionary effort in the United States. The story gained national media attention, being told in [[Life Magazine]] (in a 10 page photo essay) and in [[Reader's Digest]] to name a few. A year after the events, Elliot's widow, Elisabeth, told the story in ''Through Gates of Splendor'', a book which went on to become a national best-seller. She later went on to considerable fame as an author.

The deaths of the five men invigorated the missionary effort in the United States. The story gained national media attention, being told in [[Life Magazine]] (in a 10-page photo essay) and in [[Reader's Digest]] to name a few. A year after the events, Elliot's widow, Elisabeth, told the story in ''Through Gates of Splendor'', a book which went on to become a national best-seller. She later went on to considerable fame as an author.

Elliot is also well known for leaving behind a journal which was later edited and published. In it he made a now-famous quote: <blockquote>"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."</blockquote>

Elliot is also well known for leaving behind a journal which was later edited and published. In it he made a now-famous quote: <blockquote>"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."</blockquote>