Richard R. Morefield (born 1929 – died October 15, 2010) was an American diplomat, best known as one of the 52 American hostages held captive during the Iran Hostage Crisis from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981.
Early Life and Career
Richard Morefield was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1929. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he embarked on a career in the U.S. Foreign Service, holding diplomatic postings in various countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Nicaragua.Iran Hostage Crisis
At the time of the Iranian Revolution, Morefield was serving as the Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students, identifying themselves as Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, stormed the embassy compound. Morefield was among the 52 American diplomats and citizens taken hostage.For 444 days, Morefield and the other hostages were held under various conditions, including periods of solitary confinement, psychological torment, and mock executions. The crisis became a defining event in American foreign policy and a major point of tension in U.S.-Iran relations, dominating news cycles and influencing the 1980 U.S. presidential election.
Post-Crisis Life and Later Career
Morefield was released on January 20, 1981, concurrent with Ronald Reagan's inauguration as President of the United States, marking the official end of the crisis. Upon his return to the United States, he received a hero's welcome.He continued his distinguished career in the Foreign Service following his ordeal, serving in various capacities before his eventual retirement. Morefield was known for his quiet demeanor regarding his captivity, often preferring to avoid extensive public discussions about the specifics of his experience, although he occasionally shared his insights.