Comments on: Remembering America’s First Suicide Bombing

By: Scott Whitehead

Scott Whitehead — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:36:48 +0000

I was an 18 year old soldier just stationed in Frankfurt, Germany at the US Army Memorial Affairs Office. They woke us up around 0230 and said the Marine Barracks in Beirut was attacked and all the remains are being brought to our facility. Our facility being the US Army Mortuary for Europe.
We were overwhelmed by the number of remains brought to us the first day and the proceeding days. My first shift lasted 70 straight hours. We stood together and helped eachother do the best job we could. The Marines sent a Major, Gunnery Sergeant, and a couple marines their ranks I do not remember to assist as liason. This was my first encounter working with Marines. To this day I have not forgotten the professional demeanor of those Marines and how difficult it was for them to be there with us.
Every Marine, Sailor, and Soldier that came to our facility which was everyone was treated with the utmost of dignity and respect that a fallen comrade deserves.
After all these years I still remember those two weeks in my life and the price we all paid. I always pay respect to my fellow comrades on October 23 and pray that the family and friends of those killed are doing well.
I want you to know that your loved ones were cared for at our facility and treated like they were four star generals. I know the years past have been many but the memories are like yesterday to me. My heart always holds a special place for those who died and those who survived. I pray that the families are doing well and like me always flying a flag.

By: Hazel Yarber

Hazel Yarber — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:21:11 +0000

He was 37 years old and the father of Debbie-14, Robert-12, and David-2.

By: Hazel Yarber

Hazel Yarber — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 05:17:18 +0000

My brother, James G. Yarber was one of the 3 Soldiers killed in Beirut. He was not from Vacaville, Ca. His ex-wife was. He was from Kennett, Missouri. He is greatly missed by all his family.

By: Susanne wilmore

Susanne wilmore — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:19:12 +0000

Holly
This is Roger Wilmores ex wife . You replied to a post in 09 I didnt ever re-check the site but thank you for replying. I wondered if you mind letting me know your husbands name and maybe what part of the country your from. I talked to Roger pretty frequently.

By: Frank garcia

Frank garcia — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:56:35 +0000

I’ll not forget ever my friend Lt. George losey. I met George in Berlin germany back in 1976 or so… We was in the army then. Both of us are from Winston-Salem nc. He said I was the only one who had a drivers license from “back home” George was a good hearted big dude, I’m a little mexican-looking dude.; however I’m from nc. I asked George what he was going to do… He told me he wanted to be a marine. I can’t stand a jarhead marine… But George wil always be my brother … I’m in tears now.. Semper fi…

By: Lois

Lois — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:40:11 +0000

Went to Junior High & High School with Curtis J. Cooper. I always remember his first day in class as he tripped on the way in. It was a shocking day in 1983, to hear the news on the radio and even worse to know someone who died. His mom thought he wasn’t there, as I recall, she had just mailed him cupcakes for his birthday and I think she thought he was coming home.

Rest in peace Curtis

By: Holly Gibson

Holly Gibson — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:10:35 +0000

Susanne
My husband was a survivor, he does not know I am writing this either! He was with motor transport. This is the worst day of his life. Last year we went to the 25th memorial, I encouraged our son a corporal in the Marine Corps stationed in San Diego to join us. My husband has the worst survivors quilt imagenable! He is a very private person and does not people to know the hell he has gone through.People that knowsay he is so lucky, he says those that did not come home are the lucky ones they are not suffering. They are at peace and with God.

By: Susanne Wilmore

Susanne Wilmore — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:45:30 +0000

My husband Roger Wilmore was due to discharge the day after the attack in 1983, he called home a few weeks before because he was offered an early out, under my fathers advise and I quote(Son get out of there you dont really know where you are trust me.)
You see my father served in the second world war and was awarded 5 bronze stars as a pharmacist mate. You need only use your imagination to figure out what his duties where. My father was raised poor but not stupid. My father was the only father my husband ever had. So my husband came home . Then it happened my husband lost every friend he had.
His best friend was Mark Prevat. I made the phone call to Columbus GA. DEAD. Then the next call DEAD then the next, to the point I was begging my husband NO MORE.
This is the firs site I have found listing all the casualties. Ive tried several times over the years.
THANK YOU
I wish I could find survivors
MY HUSBAND
Roger Wilmore
S.T.A.N.O.
1st Battalion
8th Marines
Charlie Co. C
from 0311 grunt
infantry

We are no longer together, and he has no idea
Im writing about him now but he will always be
My protector
My childhood friend
My best friend
My favorite family member
The person who taught me how to take care of myself
The best damn shot in the south
Please If you have info on survivors contact me

By: Gary Bozeman

Gary Bozeman — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:43:58 +0000

I was in the Marine reserves in Dec. 83. India Co. 3/24 4th Mar Div. I was on the funeral detail of Cpl Marvin H. Perkins killed on 4Dec83. I’m still furious with Reagan for pulling us out after the bombing of the barracks. That is why we still have problems over there. God bless all of our fallen brothers.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:38:01 +0000

BZ, CJ. Good post.