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They Came in Peace

22 October 2020 by Mark Thompson 1 Comment

They Came in Peace
October 23, 1983

It will be 37 years since the 220 Marines, 18 Sailors and 3 Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 8th Marines suffered the greatest single-day loss of life in our military since WW II. It has special meaning for me because as a young lieutenant, I was privileged to first lead Marines in “1/8” in the late 70s and early 80s. My 3-year tour of duty included deploying twice from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina aboard amphibious ships for extended deployments in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arabian Sea. I had transferred from 1/8 in 1981, but by all appearances, the deployment in 1983 was no different than all the others – until the battalion was ordered ashore in Lebanon as a “peacekeeping” force.

When the suicide bomber drove into the barracks, one of those killed was Captain Mike Haskell. As irony would have it, I had met Mike in 1978 as I ran the 8-mile loop at The Basic School in Northern Virginia. As we ran, we talked about our young careers. I was still in training and he was a seasoned Marine. He had initially been in the enlisted ranks, had served with the prestigious “8th & I” Marine Corps Barracks and had already served in the Fleet Marine Force. We ended our run and bid farewell, but I knew that our run had been more than keeping physically fit. Mike was special and so were all who would eventually die with him.

When I first learned of the attack, I was back in Quantico attending Amphibious Warfare School. When I learned Mike’s funeral service would be in Quantico, I was able to participate in it. Later, each year while living again in Northern Virginia, I would ensure I visited his grave. It was and is a necessary reminder of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the Lebanese people. On this hallowed day, I ask everyone to take a moment from the many distracting news stories of the day to remember those who came in peace and pray for their families.

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Comments

  1. Tim Hillis says

    24 October 2020 at 15:14

    I really appreciated reading this memory as we recall and honor the sacrifice of so many of our best. Mark’s sharing of his service and meeting Captain Haskell adds a special personal perspective as we remember the fallen. Thank you so much!

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About Larry C. Johnson

I am a bona fide Son of American Revolutionaries. At least 24 of my ancestors, men and women, fought to free the American Colonies from British rule. Some died for the cause of liberty. Though two and a half centuries have passed since my great grandfathers and grandmothers took up arms, the principles they fought for remain valid and relevant to the 21st Century. This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of truth without regard to partisan advantage. I welcome like minded patriots.

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