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Roswell Today
By the People, for the People
Roswell Marine Veteran Held Hostage in Iran Speaks Out
Kenneth Kraus, who was taken hostage in 1979, says current Iran conflict reopens old wounds
Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:18am
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The haunting memories of a former hostage serve as a somber reminder of the lasting impact of geopolitical conflicts.Roswell TodayKenneth Kraus, a Roswell, Georgia native who was held hostage by Iranian militants for 444 days in 1979, is speaking out about how the current conflict with Iran has reopened painful memories from his ordeal. Kraus, who was just 22 years old at the time, was the first American taken hostage during the 1979 assault on the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. He was shot, beaten, starved, and tortured, and even sentenced to death before being released after eight days in captivity.
Why it matters
Kraus' personal experience with the Iranian regime's brutality provides a firsthand account of the long-lasting impact of armed conflict. As the U.S. and Iran remain locked in hostility nearly 50 years after Kraus' captivity, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the human toll of geopolitical tensions.
The details
Kraus, a decorated Marine who was awarded the Purple Heart, has meticulously preserved the visual record of his ordeal, including newspaper clippings, photographs, and military honors. When news broke that the cleric tied to his death sentence had been killed in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike, Kraus says the moment overwhelmed him. 'When I heard that, I dropped to my knees and thanked God that he let me live long enough to see him dead,' Kraus said.
- Kraus was taken hostage in 1979 during the 444-day Iran hostage crisis.
- Nearly 50 years later, the current conflict with Iran has reopened painful memories for Kraus.
The players
Kenneth Kraus
A Roswell, Georgia native who was held hostage by Iranian militants for 444 days in 1979 when he was just 22 years old, working as a U.S. Marine embassy guard stationed in Tehran.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The cleric who signed the execution order for Kraus during the 1979 hostage crisis, and later became Iran's Supreme Leader.
What they’re saying
“This regime murders its own people. They're maniacal. They're demonic. That's the best way I can describe them.”
— Kenneth Kraus, Roswell Marine Veteran
“When I heard that, I dropped to my knees and thanked God that he let me live long enough to see him dead.”
— Kenneth Kraus, Roswell Marine Veteran
What’s next
Kraus continues to share his story with schools and civic groups across Georgia, hoping to educate people about the lasting consequences of armed conflict.
The takeaway
Kraus' personal experience as a hostage of the Iranian regime provides a powerful firsthand account of the human toll of geopolitical tensions. His story serves as a reminder that the impact of such conflicts can endure for generations, even as the headlines fade.
