Posted on May 10, 2015
SFC Platoon Sergeant
4.64K
17
9
6
6
0
20150510 140312 resized
20150510 140304
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, I remember you mentioning having served in Beruit or knowing some Marines that died there. I thought you may be interested in a memorial we have in my town for a local Marine was was killed in that attack. Staff Sergeant Soifert.
Posted in these groups: Memorial day military ipad 2 cases Memorial
Edited >1 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 6
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
3
3
0
Edited >1 y ago
Thanks for posting SFC (Join to see).

Yes, I was in Beirut from 1983 to 1984. Although I didn't know SSgt Soifert personally, I am well aware of the circumstances of his death (which occurred just a week or so before the bombing of the BLT Headquarters).

Below is a link to SSgt Allen Soifert's memorial shadowbox on TogetherWeServed website:

http://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=361128
(3)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LCpl Mark Lefler
2
2
0
I served under one of the Marines who survived, but for the life of me I cannot remember his name, I can see his face, hear his voice but I cannot remember his name. I can't find a list of survivors to use to remember.
(2)
Comment
(0)
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
>1 y
I don't think I have ever come across a list of the survivors of the BLT Headquarters bombing.
(0)
Reply
(0)
LCpl Mark Lefler
LCpl Mark Lefler
>1 y
There may not be one, but regardless, it was definitely an honor to work for someone that has that kind of story to tell.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MSgt Electrical Power Production
2
2
0
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
Marine Barracks (Beruit) Memorial - Soifert Fields
SFC Platoon Sergeant
1
1
0
It took me a few minutes to figure out how to add the pictures from my phone.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Col John O'Donovan
0
0
0
I was the XO of 2nd Supply Bn at the time that Sgt Soifert was a Marine assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Platoon of Ammunition Company. He was the first Marine I knew who was killed by enemy action. His death, while serving as a member of a peace keeping force struck home. I will never forget how willingly he asked to be a part of that force. I will forever remember him and honor his memory and service. Never forget
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Contracting Officer
0
0
0
I lost 4 members of my boot platoon in Beirut and remember exactly where I was when I first heard of the attack - on convalescence leave following a ruptured appendix. I remember telling my wife (then fiance) that I need to report back to Cherry Point. I remember the rows of LAVs sitting on the flightline for the longest time waiting to deploy. Did not feel the same way again until late September 2001. Ironically, that was when that wife decided she didn't want to be married to the military any more...

Semper Fi
(0)
Comment
(0)
SFC Platoon Sergeant
SFC (Join to see)
>1 y
I was on guard duty in Miesau, West Germany when it happened.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close