Words From the Director/CEO: Remembering the Attack That Killed More Than 240 U.S. Service Members in Beirut

Team,

On the morning of Oct. 23, 1983, suicide bombers attacked the barracks of the U.S. and French contingents of a multinational force deployed to keep order in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese Civil War.

Crews search for casualties after the barracks bombing in Beirut on Oct. 23, 1983. (Photo by By SSgt Randy Gaddo, USMC – DefenseLINK News, U.S. Department of Defense,)

The horrific attack killed 241 American service members, as well as 58 French military personnel and six civilians. It was the deadliest single-day attack against U.S. Marines since the Battle for Iwo Jima in 1945.

At the time I was a Major assigned to the White House. My boss, National Security Advisor Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel(R) Robert “Bud” McFarlane, had the heavy burden of waking President Reagan at 2 a.m. to inform him of the tragic event that occurred in Beirut. The president was shaken and determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

McFarlane had been National Security Advisor less than a week. In the weeks before the attack, he had been President Reagan’s emissary to Lebanon, working to bring peace to the region.

He knew the heroes who were killed, and his feelings of loss and determination echoed the president’s. Their drive to bring the people responsible for the attack to justice effectively began the War on Terror—a battle that continues to this day.

As you go about your day today, please take a moment to remember the selfless sacrifice of the heroes who gave their last full measure of devotion in Beirut 40 years ago, and to salute their bravery.

It is truly an honor to serve those who serve with you. Thank you for all you do to support our Nation’s heroes and military mission.

All the best,