Marine Barracks (Beruit) Memorial - Soifert Fields

2015-05-10T17:21:46-04:00

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 5:40 PM

2015-05-10T17:40:50-04:00

It took me a few minutes to figure out how to add the pictures from my phone.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-05-10T18:10:04-04:00

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5xp1gHzDRMk

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 10 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-05-10T18:36:01-04:00

Thanks for posting SFC Private RallyPoint Member.

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

View my Military Service on Togetherweserved.com

Marines.Togetherweserved.com - Shadow Box Profile of SSgt Allen Soifert

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 10 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-05-10T19:06:11-04:00

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 5:54 AM

2015-05-11T05:54:53-04:00

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

Response by Col John O'Donovan made Oct 21 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-10-21T22:13:22-04:00

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