1983 Beirut Attack Recalled As New Chapter In Terrorism
Retired U.S. Marine Col. Timothy Geraghty says the morning of Oct. 23, 1983, was a bright one — before a truck filled with explosives slammed into the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon. Hundreds of U.S. troops were killed in what was the deadliest day for America's military since 1945.
Geraghty was in command of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit in Beirut at the time of the attack. He says the massive explosion — nearly 25 years ago to the day — blew out the windows of his office.
"I ran outside and couldn't see because of a dense fog of gray ash," he recalls. "As I staggered around to the rear of my headquarters, I thought we had taken a direct hit from a Scud missile. My logistics officer was right next to me, and as the fog started to lift, he said, 'My god, the BLT building is gone.'
Read entire article at NPR
Geraghty was in command of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit in Beirut at the time of the attack. He says the massive explosion — nearly 25 years ago to the day — blew out the windows of his office.
"I ran outside and couldn't see because of a dense fog of gray ash," he recalls. "As I staggered around to the rear of my headquarters, I thought we had taken a direct hit from a Scud missile. My logistics officer was right next to me, and as the fog started to lift, he said, 'My god, the BLT building is gone.'