October 23, 2017
October 23, 2017
RIP Major John W Macroglou USMC 10-23-83 Beirut, Lebanon . You were more than my cousin to me-a perfect big brother. I miss you every day. Semper Fidelis! Love, Georgene
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Major John Macroglou USMC, 34 years old, born on August 23, 1949, and passed away on October 23, 1983. We will remember him forever.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
October 22, 2017
October 22, 2017
Dear Aunt Lorraine ,Uncle Bill and Jimmy ,
I never will forget the ULTIMATE sacrifice Johnny and his solders made for our freedom .
May the Perpetual Light shine upon him .
I never will forget the ULTIMATE sacrifice Johnny and his solders made for our freedom .
May the Perpetual Light shine upon him .
October 22, 2017
October 22, 2017
RIP MAJ JOHN W. MACROGLOU USMC LOVING AND MISSING YOU MOM , DAD, BROTHER JIM AND FAMILY !!! "SEMPER FIDELIS"
October 22, 2017
October 22, 2017
RIP MAJ JOHN W. MACROGLOU USMC LOVING AND MISSING YOU MOM , DAD, BROTHER JIM AND FAMILY !!! "SEMPER FIDELIS"
October 22, 2017
October 22, 2017
10-23-83 BEIRUT LEBANON MAJ. JOHN W. MACROGLOU USMC REMEMBERING THE 241 SERVICEMEN WHO LOSS THEIR LIVES 34 YEARS AGO TODAY. RIP HEROES GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!"SEMPER FIDELIS"
October 22, 2017
October 22, 2017
10-23-83 BEIRUT LEBANON MAJ. JOHN W. MACROGLOU USMC REMEMBERING THE 241 SERVICEMEN WHO LOSS THEIR LIVES 34 YEARS AGO TODAY. RIP HEROES GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!!"SEMPER FIDELIS"
August 23, 2017
August 23, 2017
Happy Birthday my dear beloved cousin John. I will look to the stars tonight that are shining brightly in tribute. I miss you every day. Love, Georgene
August 23, 2017
August 23, 2017
Happy Birthday, good friend.
May 29, 2017
May 29, 2017
I met John when we were Lts at Camp
Lejeune.We crossed paths on Vieques Island and later at MCRD San Diego.John was a great guy and a great Marine. I remember how much he missed his wife and daughter when they were separated.
Lejeune.We crossed paths on Vieques Island and later at MCRD San Diego.John was a great guy and a great Marine. I remember how much he missed his wife and daughter when they were separated.
May 25, 2017
May 25, 2017
Major Macoglou and I were stationed together at Camp Geiger. He was a major and I a mere 1stLt, but he was a friend to junior officers and really to all who came in his path. A gallant gentleman.
January 6, 2017
January 6, 2017
John and I served together at MCRD San Diego in the late 1970s. He was in 3rd Battalion, I was in 2nd Battalion; but our Companies were on training schedules that were adjacent to one another. As a result, he and I became good friends. My last remembrance of him was playing basketball together one afternoon at Edson range. I was devastated when I learned of his death. A finer man/Marine would be hard to find. RIP my good friend. Semper Fidelis.
December 11, 2016
December 11, 2016
Johnny was more than my cousin - he was my brother. I talked to him every day. We never missed a day we did not talk by phone. I miss him every day. Love you Johnny , Georgene
November 11, 2016
November 11, 2016
I woke up today thinking of John. What a wonderful young man. It is sad that he was taken from us in his prime. John was a difference maker. He is a true hero. God Bless!
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Happy Birthday John. Not just my Brother - my best friend as well. RIP Bro.
August 23, 2016
August 23, 2016
Remembering John on his birthday. His birthday is the week after mine, and on the same day as my wedding anniversary. Still makes me smile to think of him and his friendship.
March 29, 2016
March 29, 2016
I've been in the Army now for 17 years but I never knew this event in Beirut hit close to home until today via a google search ... My dad's sister married into the Macroglou family a long time ago, so I suppose Maj. Macroglou was somewhat of a distant relative. I can't believe my dad never spoke of it... surely he must have known. Peace to the Macroglou family, and memory eternal to Maj. Macroglou and the other marines who were there with him. Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη - LTC(P) Gregg Gerasimon MD, US Army
October 23, 2015
October 23, 2015
Will always remember the party before you left. I remember telling you not to go. He said it would be his last journey. I guess it was. I remember hearing about the bombing early in the morning. I woke my husband up cause I was hysterical crying. We knew John's morning routine. I told my husband Jimmy, I know he was in the mess hall that early. My husband was speechless cause he knew I was right! Who knew that would truly be his last journey! Will always remember that smile and dedication. Thank you for your service. Think of his family often.
September 23, 2015
September 23, 2015
A real American hero . He will never be forgotten .God Bless the Macroglou family .
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
John was one of my best friends my sophomore year at Duquesne. We lived on the same floor at the William Penn and would spend endless hours talking about how to make the world a better place. I still think of him often, and always with a smile.
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
Happy Birthday Bro - still missing you.
July 25, 2015
July 25, 2015
On the last day of AUG 1982 I walked onto the Reserve Center to report in just back from BootCamp and ITS, a 17 year old PFC in Alphas. A Marine in P.T. gear was exiting and said good morning to me and I returned the greeting. He initiated a conversation and we sat on a bench outside the main hatchway and he talked to me for about 15 minutes about The Corps, and what I could do to serve the Corps, about my college, my major, OCS and TBS, mortars, my girlfriend, my family, He just talked and I listened. As he said goodbye, he reached in his briefcase and tore off a piece of legal pad and wrote his name and two phone numbers on it. He said "If your ever onboard Lejune and need anything or any help, don't hesitate". The note read, Maj Macroglou. He was the outgoing I&I on his way to The 8th Marines, and he took the time to talk to and encourage a 17 year old PFC. THAT WAS A LEADER OF MEN.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Major Macroglou was our Company Commander as a Captain at MCRD San Diego... John will always be remembered by those Marines he trained and worked with! A great leader, a great Marine... a true friend! Semper Fi Sir
April 2, 2014
April 2, 2014
John was a great guy - we were together in the high school band. After he graduated I never saw him again, but worked with/for his dad (Bill) at the Aliquippa Tin Mill. We miss you, John!
October 23, 2013
October 23, 2013
I served with the Major while he was Operations officer for the 8th Marine Regiment along with MSgt Roy Edwards. The Major was exactly what I always thought a Marine Officer should be. I was just a young Corporal back then, but I respected him very much. Not a day goes by for the last 30 years that I do not think of him or the rest of my fellow Marines killed that day. SEMPER FI!
September 17, 2013
September 17, 2013
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.Would this have been the same John Mcgroglou that attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh PA?He was my best friend then,and I miss him terribly,please put my mind at ease.Thank you
September 17, 2013
September 17, 2013
I apologize for misspelling the last name,it's really Mccroglou.If I can help in any way,please feel free to contact me?
December 18, 2011
December 18, 2011
"THEY CAME IN PEACE" "SEMPER FIDELIS" DEEPLY LOVED AND SADLY MISSED BY MOM DAD BROTHER JIM
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
October 23, 2023
October 23, 2023
Even through death for forty years, John remains a sterling role model for me. The example that he set is one that can be aspired to but never attained by me because of my natural limitations. Semper Fi.
October 23, 2023
October 23, 2023
RIP Major John Macroglou, USMC, Nov.23, 1983.
Semper Fidelis, One of our Beirut, Lebanon, Heroes.
Never Forget and Never Disrespect Our Flag.
Semper Fidelis, One of our Beirut, Lebanon, Heroes.
Never Forget and Never Disrespect Our Flag.
October 23, 2023
October 23, 2023
I was dealing with issues regarding a seriously sick son when the barracks were destroyed and failed to recognize that John had passed. I found out later from Clay Thomas that he had passed and I had missed his funeral. On the 40th Anniversary of the incident I wanted to let those survivors know that I have thought of John continuously. I do not know if his wife is still alive but if she is I would like to would like to speak with her. In our youth we were known as Batman and Robin with me being the subordinate. The chemistry between us was absolutely perfect and I have never had the same relationship even though we were different in so many ways. If Deborah is still alive I would like to speak to her and if not perhaps Heather.
Semper Fidelis Batman
Semper Fidelis Batman
Gallery
This is the 3rd bracelet I have worm since 1984. This one deployed with me to Iraq and Afghanistan!
Happy 247 Marine Corps Birthday!
Happy birthday, and Semper Fi, John, 247 years and we never forget.
Best Friend, Toby Tyler Avolio at Beirut Memorial, Summer 2022
John on Beirut Marine Headquarters, October 1983
Heather and John September 1983
John’s “favorite “ birthday picture! August 23, 1983
Banner in honor of Major Macroglou in Sewickley,PA
Recent stories
Addition to his “Life Story”
August 19, 2022
MajorJohn W. Macroglou, USMC
Major John Macroglou, USMC was killed October 23, 1983 in the terrorist suicide bombing of the Marine Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. At the time of his death, Maj Macroglou was the Battalion Executive Officer and the highest ranking Marine to die in the bombing. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. (Section 59, #612)
Major Macroglou was born in Aliquippa, PA and grew up in Center Twp. He graduated from Duquesne University in 1973 with a degree in Political Science. However, with a low draft number, he joined the Marine Reserve. He went to Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC and upon graduation decided his vocation was as a Marine and went to Marine Officer Candidate School.
Major Macroglou served in the Marine Corps at Camp LeJeune, NC, MCRD, San Diego, Shreveport LA, Okinawa, Japan and Quantico ,VA. He attended the Amphibious War College and also received his Masters Degree from Pepperdine University.
When the Marines were sent to Beirut as Peacekeepers in 1983, Major Macroglou served as a liaison to the Battalion stationed at Camp LeJeune. However, his goal was to go to Beirut and be “with his men”.
Major Macroglou was a marathon runner and his running partner was the Commanding General at Camp LeJeune. He finally convinced General Johnson to send him to Beirut as the XO of the Battalion in September 1983. He was killed a month later.
Major Macroglou is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter, Heather, parents, Bill and Lorraine Macroglou and brother, Jim.
Additionally his grandson, John Victor and grandaughter, Collins Victor have heard stories about their “Hero” Marine Grandfather from his classmates at Center High School and Duquesne University, as well as Marine Corps colleagues. However, their favorite story was his last wish….
When Arlington Cemetery called his wife to finalize his burial arrangements, they also gave her a message from Major Macroglou. He wanted his burial flag flown over the next Pittsburgh Steeler vs Cleveland Brown home game. Maj Macroglou was lifelong Steeler Fan!
Beaver County is currently in the process of building a Memorial “Footsteps of the Fallen” honoring Beaver Valley sons and daughters killed in the fight on terrorism. Major Macroglou’s name is the first on the proposed memorial. Historians consider the Beirut bombing as the first successful suicide bombing by terrorists on the United States.
Major John Macroglou, USMC was killed October 23, 1983 in the terrorist suicide bombing of the Marine Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon. At the time of his death, Maj Macroglou was the Battalion Executive Officer and the highest ranking Marine to die in the bombing. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. (Section 59, #612)
Major Macroglou was born in Aliquippa, PA and grew up in Center Twp. He graduated from Duquesne University in 1973 with a degree in Political Science. However, with a low draft number, he joined the Marine Reserve. He went to Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC and upon graduation decided his vocation was as a Marine and went to Marine Officer Candidate School.
Major Macroglou served in the Marine Corps at Camp LeJeune, NC, MCRD, San Diego, Shreveport LA, Okinawa, Japan and Quantico ,VA. He attended the Amphibious War College and also received his Masters Degree from Pepperdine University.
When the Marines were sent to Beirut as Peacekeepers in 1983, Major Macroglou served as a liaison to the Battalion stationed at Camp LeJeune. However, his goal was to go to Beirut and be “with his men”.
Major Macroglou was a marathon runner and his running partner was the Commanding General at Camp LeJeune. He finally convinced General Johnson to send him to Beirut as the XO of the Battalion in September 1983. He was killed a month later.
Major Macroglou is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter, Heather, parents, Bill and Lorraine Macroglou and brother, Jim.
Additionally his grandson, John Victor and grandaughter, Collins Victor have heard stories about their “Hero” Marine Grandfather from his classmates at Center High School and Duquesne University, as well as Marine Corps colleagues. However, their favorite story was his last wish….
When Arlington Cemetery called his wife to finalize his burial arrangements, they also gave her a message from Major Macroglou. He wanted his burial flag flown over the next Pittsburgh Steeler vs Cleveland Brown home game. Maj Macroglou was lifelong Steeler Fan!
Beaver County is currently in the process of building a Memorial “Footsteps of the Fallen” honoring Beaver Valley sons and daughters killed in the fight on terrorism. Major Macroglou’s name is the first on the proposed memorial. Historians consider the Beirut bombing as the first successful suicide bombing by terrorists on the United States.
Major John Macroglous grandaughter, Collins
August 19, 2022
Major John Macroglous, grandaughter, Collins Victor at his gravesite (Section 59) Arlington Cem
Major John Macroglou’s Grandchild
August 19, 2022
Major John Macroglous Grandson and namesake John “Hutch” Victor,visit Beirut Memorial