Iran Hostage Crisis: 444 days and 40 years later, a conversation with survivor Michael Metrinko 40 years ago, solidarity and celebration played out in Northeastern Pennsylvania as two of our own came home from Iran. Author: Ryan Leckey Updated: 9:36 PM EST January 28, 2021 PENNSYLVANIA, USA — On January 28, 1981, one of our area’s biggest signs of solidarity and celebration played out in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Bruce German and Michael Metrinko had just survived 444 days in captivity. Bruce grew up in Edwardsville. Michael was a native of Olyphant. Bruce died about a year ago. But tonight, 40 years after his release from captivity, Michael Metrinko takes us back to the scene in Olyphant, a time when his hometown gathered to celebrate his return after he lived through a nightmare that lasted for 444 days in Iranian prisons.