Bruce Laingen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruce Laingen
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Laingen in 2011
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| United States Ambassador to Iran | |
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Acting, as chargé d'affaires
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| In office June 16, 1979 – April 7, 1980 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | William H. Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Diplomatic relations severed |
| United States Ambassador to Malta | |
| In office January 11, 1977 – January 20, 1979 |
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| President | Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Robert P. Smith |
| Succeeded by | Joan M. Clark |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lowell Bruce Laingen
August 6, 1922 Butterfield, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | July 15, 2019 (aged 96) Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. |
| Alma mater | St. Olaf College University of Minnesota |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Lowell Bruce Laingen (August 6, 1922 – July 15, 2019) was an American diplomat. A diplomat helps represent their country in other nations. Laingen is best known for being the highest-ranking American official held hostage during the Iran hostage crisis. This happened while he was serving as the chargé d'affaires (a temporary head of a diplomatic mission) at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
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Early Life and Education
Bruce Laingen was born on a farm near Butterfield, Minnesota. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant. He was stationed in the South Pacific.
After the war, Laingen went to St. Olaf College. He then earned a master's degree in International Relations from the University of Minnesota. He also studied at the National War College in 1968.
Diplomatic Career Highlights
In 1949, Laingen joined the U.S. Foreign Service. This is a group of people who work for the U.S. government in other countries. He worked in several countries, including Germany, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Serving as Ambassador to Malta
In 1977, President Gerald Ford appointed Laingen as the U.S. Ambassador to Malta. An ambassador is the official representative of their country to another country. He served in Malta until 1979.
The Iran Hostage Crisis
In June 1979, Laingen was sent back to Iran. He became the U.S. chargé d'affaires there. This meant he was the senior American diplomat in Iran at that time. He had worked in Iran before, in the 1950s.
On November 4, 1979, the U.S. embassy in Tehran was taken over by student protesters. This happened after the Iranian Revolution. Many Americans were taken hostage at the embassy. Laingen and two other officials were taken at a different office.
Laingen and 51 other hostages were held captive for 444 days. They were finally released on January 20, 1981. During this time, Laingen's wife tied a yellow ribbon around an oak tree at their home. This became a symbol of hope for the hostages' safe return.
After the crisis, the U.S. and Iran ended their direct diplomatic relations. Bruce Laingen remains the last American head of mission to Iran.
Awards and Retirement
After his release, Laingen and the other hostages returned to the United States. He was honored by the United States Military Academy. He also received the State Department Award for Valor for his bravery.
Laingen later became the Vice President of the National Defense University. He retired from the Foreign Service in 1987. He had served his country for 38 years. He also served as the President of the American Academy of Diplomacy.
Later Life and Passing
In 2010, Bruce Laingen received the Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award. This award recognized his long and important career.
Laingen passed away on July 15, 2019, at the age of 96. He died in Bethesda, Maryland.
See also
- In Spanish: Bruce Laingen para niños
