We were overrun on February 14, 1979 and taken hostage for a few hours. We had over 10,000 people outside shooting up the compound including the Chancery. I was holed up with many others, including the Ambassador, in the Communications vault. We eventually surrendered and were subsequently released in the parking lot after some negotiations.
Our compound was occupied by the Mujahideen and Fedayeen. Everyday they were looting our compound, shooting over our heads, or pointing guns at us. The remaining 17 Marine Guards were disarmed and stood their posts without weapons. We were all humiliated daily. And stray shots came into the compound on a regular basis. I felt in more danger than when I served in Vietnam during Tet.
I could tell you many stories. I am no fan of Jimmy Carter. We all knew that the Embassy would be overrun again.
Wow! On November 4th, 1979, I was stationed at a radar site (PAVE Paws) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
I was over a girlfriend’s house, who lived some distance away, watching the Patriots play, back when they sucked (hey, she was a fan). I remember after the breaking news interruption, kissing her goodbye and saying I was leaving.
She: “Why are you leaving?!”
Me: “Taking an embassy over and everyone in it is an act of war. I gotta go back to the base. (this was before cell phones and nobody knew I was over her house). There’s gonna be a recall of all personnel.”
She: “OMG! We’re at war?!”
Me: “Yes!”
So I drove back, got on my fatigues, and went into the station. It was dead. Sunday afternoon, already getting dark. No body over a Lt. there. I went up to the TOR and spoke to the LT in charge. No word from anybody. “This has happened before Sarge, and they let ‘em go soon afterwards. Go home.” He said.
I was on duty in April of 1980 when Operation Desert Cluster @#$$! took place in the Iranian desert. What a mess!
444 Days later when Reagan was being sworn in, they let them go.
Well, thanks a lot. You got me pi$$ed off all over again. I’ll have nightmares tonight. I also get pi$$ed off every time I see any news story on Carter even today. I refuse to donate to Habitat for Humanity too. Same reason.
Kabar you are a stud! Would love to hear some of those stories.
What was it like the transformation from Carter to Reagan in that area of the world?