JOHN LEWIS: It was a time when the U.S. was trying to open the door to North Korea, even a slight crack. And there was a lot of contention over the North Korean nuclear projects that were going on. Bobby Hall and another pilot in the observation helicopter were on a routine training mission along the DMZ. And the last radio communication they had with their base was that there were turning back. There was no more radio communication and it quickly became evident that their chopper was down in North Korean territory. The other person on the aircraft, on the chopper died in the crash. Bobby Hall was captured. U.S. and U.N. officials seemed to concur that it was just a training accident, that the helicopter had strayed across the border. This went on for about two weeks. Bobby Hall was finally released just before New Years. Tom Hubbard, who had been underassistant secretary of state, went to North Korea and arranged for Hall's release. They came across the border at Panmunjom, the peace village along the DMZ.
CNN 20: U.S. Pilot Bobby Hall Released, December 29, 1994