Virginia War Memorial Pursues Families of Marines Lost in 1983 Beirut Bombing

Four Decades On, a Plea to Honor the Fallen.

October 23, 1983, stands as a dark day in American military history when a terrorist attack in Beirut, Lebanon, claimed the lives of 241 U.S. military personnel. Forty years on, the Virginia War Memorial is on a heartfelt mission to reconnect with the families of the Marines who hailed from Virginia.

The horrifying bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut brought about the heaviest one-day loss for the Marine Corps since World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima. This tragic incident is getting a commemorative spotlight, as the Virginia War Memorial, in partnership with Blue Ridge PBS, unveils its film “One Week In October.” This documentary encapsulates not only the horror of the Beirut bombing but also delves into the invasion of Grenada, which transpired within that fateful week.

In a bid to further honor the Marines’ ultimate sacrifice, the Virginia War Memorial staff is reaching out to the families of the eleven Marines from Virginia who perished in the Beirut tragedy. A special 40th-anniversary ceremony is scheduled for October 23, 2023, at the Memorial, where these families will be the guests of honor.

The Marines, listed by their 1983 residences or enlistment locations, are:

• Nicholas Baker (Alexandria)
• Richard E. Barrett (Tappahannock)
• James R. Baynard (Richmond)
• William B. Foster Jr. (Richmond)
• Michael D. Fulcher (Amherst)
• Warner Gibbs Jr. (Portsmouth)
• Douglas E. Held (Richmond)
• James C. Knipple (Alexandria)
• Jeffrey B. Owen (Virginia Beach)
• Joseph A. Owens (Chesterfield)
• Eric G. Washington (Alexandria)

Families and relatives are being encouraged to reach out to Ben King, the Virginia War Memorial Operations Director, at Benjamin.King@dvs.virginia.gov  or by calling 804-362-2333 for further details. The Memorial, with the support of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), is hopeful that the statewide media can assist in this noble endeavor.

The act of remembrance is a cornerstone of the Virginia War Memorial’s mission, reinforcing the significance of commemorating those who put country before self. As the 40th anniversary of the Beirut bombing approaches, the plea to recognize and honor the Virginia Marines’ sacrifice reverberates more than ever. Their names are etched forever on the walls of the Shrine of Memory-Global War on Terror and Beyond, a testament to the bravery they exhibited and the legacy they left behind.

The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military.  It is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  Admission is free, except for select events.  For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org.