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.
