Rodney Sickmann

This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Rodney Sickmann

Rodney V. “Rocky” Sickmann was born in July 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Washington High School in 1976, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with both the Second and Third Marine Divisions in Okinawa and Camp Lejeune. Following his completion of Marine Security Guard School, he was assigned to a new post.

Shortly before November 4, 1979, Sickmann was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Iran. On that day, a group of Islamic Revolution supporters stormed the embassy, taking many American civilian staff hostage. Sickmann and his fellow Marines were also captured and held at gunpoint until they were ordered to surrender. Separated from most of the other hostages except for two, Sickmann endured captivity that became even more isolating after the failed Operation Eagle Claw rescue in April 1980, which led to his placement in solitary confinement. Ultimately, the hostages were released on January 21, 1981—444 days after the crisis began—following a deal involving the return of $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets and a U.S. pledge of non-interference in Iranian matters. After his return, Sickmann was honorably discharged three months later and awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Award of Valor, and Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, Sickmann returned to St. Louis and pursued a career in advertising—first in radio and later at a regional firm, where he spent 34 years. His personal account of captivity, Iranian Hostage: A Personal Diary of 444 Days in Captivity, was smuggled out of Iran and published in 1982. He remains active in sharing his story through media appearances. After retiring from sales in 2016, he joined Folds of Honor, a nonprofit providing academic scholarships to the children of fallen U.S. service members.

 

Want more inspiring stories of military pioneers? Subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media!

Thank you for your service!