Release
On January 20, 1981 only 20 minutes after Ronald Reagan took office and 444 days after they had been taken hostage, the 52 hostages were set free by Iran. After the hostages were released they were flown to Algeria as a gesture to thank Algeria for their key role in the negotiations between America and Iran. They then Flew to Germany and were met by the Former President Jimmy Carter. They then were flown to the U.S. and were given a hero's welcome. The Hostages when they finally returned were given many gifts, including lifetime passes to any Major League Baseball game.
"The first month was shear hell. I was tortured. And then after that I spent a lot of time in solitary. The food was lousy and there wasn't much of it. But, like in all situations, you adapt. I've had people tell me, gee, I couldn't have done what you did. And I say you never had the chance. If you had to do it, you'd do it."
-Chuck Scott, A hostage during the crisis
-Chuck Scott, A hostage during the crisis