I am a retired LDO Captain. My time in Beirut I was a SSGT (CCA) on Comphibron Six staff. With permission from the Comodore V.C. Smith USN and my Mentor Capt Frank DiMarco USMC. This old 0369 spent as much time as possible on the beach with the Marines.
I spent most of my time with Gunny Buldoc the MAU S-4 chief, Driving through "hooterville" to the American Univerisity, to BIA, to the embassy etc.
It was as insane then as it is to me now that we were going out on the wire with unlocked weapons. I guess the statue of limitations has expired, so I can now say the Guns and I were locked and cocked all the time.
I remember in our first days the EOD Marine who was blown to bits by a booby traped bomb.
I remember the young MIA flight attendent who was assasinated for spending too much time with a young Marine.
I fondly remember listening to "Gloria" by Laura Brannigan over and over and over again at the Staff & Officer bar. The Cuban cigars and shots of Jack. The good old San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders visiting and Lydia Cordell representing Bob Hope.
I remember sitting in Capt. Dale Dye's tent with GySgt. B.C. (Bad Conduct) Collins (Navy Cross as a Cpl in Viet Nam) getting hammered on the Marine Corps Birthday. Anyone still have their "Dye Cup?" I do. I remember checking your pistol at the door for the "ball that night. Like the old wild west.
I also remember Capt Johnson standing down a Israeli Col and his tank. I believe he is a true hero that never was truly recognized.
I also remember the ghettos of Sabra and Shatilla and man's inhumanity towards man.
I remember evacuating if you can truly believe it the PLO. What were we thinking? I never wore that medal Humanitarian Service.
I have good memories of fine men, I have nightmares because some of the things I saw.
I also remember the young Marines and Sailors, many who would be in their 50's today as fathers and grandfatheres who's lives where snuffed out in the first act of terrorism against the United States.
God watch over them and their families.
God bless our Corps.
God bless the United States of America.
Semper Fidelis
Fred Fitzgerald Capt. USMC (Ret.) 1975-1995