Kevin J. Hermening is a former United States Marine and diplomat who was among the Americans taken hostage during the Iran hostage crisis that began in 1979. Serving as a Marine Security Guard at the United States Embassy in Tehran, Hermening was part of the group of 52 Americans held after the embassy was seized by Iranian militants following the Iranian Revolution. He was the youngest of the hostages and spent 444 days in captivity before their release in January 1981. After returning to the United States, Hermening has participated in public discussions, interviews, and commemorations related to the hostage crisis and its impact on US Iran relations. He has also spoken about the experiences of the hostages and the historical significance of the event.