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A Fox News journalist who lost a leg and vision in one eye while reporting on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine returned to live television on Thursday with an encouraging message for viewers.
Benjamin Hall implored those at home to “never give up, never assume it’s over” during his first broadcast appearance since the March 2022 attack outside Kyiv that claimed the lives of two of his coworkers.
“I have one leg, no feet, one eye, and one hand that functions. Hall stated from London, “I was burned all over, and I feel stronger and more confident than ever before.”
He stated that the incident had taught him important life lessons.
“I think it’s extremely important to know that there is good on the other side when you’re feeling down,” Hall continued. “If you work diligently, dedicate yourself to achieving a goal, and do not give up, you will reach your goal.”
The foreign correspondent was critically injured when Russian soldiers near Horenka opened fire on the vehicle he was traveling in with other journalists.
In the attack, 55-year-old Fox News photojournalist Pierre Zakrzewski and 24-year-old Ukrainian fixer and journalist Oleksandra Kuvshynova perished.
Hall was a close friend of Zakrzewski, whom he credits with saving his life in his final moments.
He stated that the cameraman crawled out of their vehicle and he followed him out before a third bomb exploded.
“We talked for approximately 40 minutes before he passed away,” Hall added.
The journalist also expressed gratitude for his three young daughters, whom he saw while facing death.
His voice broke as he read a chapter from his forthcoming biography detailing the moment he heard his children pleading, “Daddy, get out of the car!”
“At the time of the occurrence, I was completely incapacitated. I suffered severe injuries. I had shrapnel in my eye and neck, but seeing my own girls, my young daughters, gave me back to life, and I found the fortitude to recover.
“I opened my eyes and managed to crawl out of the car before the third bomb hit the car itself. If they hadn’t brought me back, I would not be alive today.”
The wounded correspondent was evacuated from the fighting zone by a special operations team and the charity Save Our Allies. He was transported by helicopter to a Texas military medical facility where he underwent many surgeries and intense physical therapy.
He told Fox & Friends, “I remember from the very day this occurred, remembering and thinking that I will return.” “I remember lying there in the middle of nowhere, severely injured and thinking, ‘I’m going home no matter what, I’ll crawl if I have to,’ when it happened.” And it was this way of thinking that brought me here.”
Benjamin Hall expressed gratitude for his three young girls (shown in this photograph), stating he had a vision of them while facing death.
This motive prompted the title of Hall’s March 14 publication, “Saved: A War Reporter’s Mission to Return Home.”
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents presented Hall with the 2022 Foreign Press Award last month.
“I believe it is crucial that we report the news from wherever we can,” he stated. “We must continue to convey the stories of the horrors that are occurring, as well as the stories of the heroes who are out there.