Remembering Beirut 43 Years Ago

I am dedicating this letter to United States Marine Corps Corporal James J. Jackowski

Thirty four years ago on 23OCT83 at 6:22 AM (Beirut time) a large delivery truck drove to the Beirut International Airport where the Marine Barracks was located. After turning onto an access road leading to the compound, the driver rushed through a barbed-wire fence, passed between two sentry posts, crashed through the gate, and slammed into the lobby of the barracks. The driver detonated explosives with the power equal to more than 12,000 pounds of TNT. The explosion crumbled the four-story building, crushing service members to death while they were sleeping.

The terrorist attack killed 220 Marines and 21 other U.S. service members who were stationed there to help keep the peace in a nation torn by war. It was the bloodiest day in the Corps' history since World War II, when Marines fought to secure Iwo Jima.

This tragic event has a local effect as well – United States Marine Corporal James Jackowski of South Salem, NY was Killed in Action while serving at the Marine Barracks – Beuruit, Lebanon.

Some of you may not realize but there is a small monument that sits at the Vista Fire Department firehouse (open to the public) that memorializes Corporal Jackowski one of our Lewisboro residents and a John Jay graduate who proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Along with USMC Corporal Jackowski a resident from Katonah, New York was killed as well his name is: USMC Corporal Bert D. Corcoran

I ask that you just take a moment to reflect on this tragic event 34 years ago and all those brave U.S. Marines and service members that were killed on that tragic day.

For more information about the tragedy you can view:

http://www.beirut-memorial.org/index.html

I would like to thank a very dear friend of mine Michele for being there for me when I received news of that tragic event – Her support and kindness will never be forgotten – Thank you

Please support our Men and Women who serve in our Armed Forces!

Semper Fi

Adam Ochs

South Salem NY