Station HYPO

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut became a tragic symbol of the growing violence against Americans in Lebanon during the early 1980s. On April 18, 1983, a suicide bomber attacked the embassy compound, killing 63 people, including 17 Americans, and wounding several others. Six months later, on October 23, 1983, a suicide truck bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks at Beirut International Airport killed 241 American service members—220 Marines, 18 Sailors, and three Soldiers. Together, these attacks demonstrated the grave dangers faced by American diplomats and military personnel serving in Beirut during Lebanon’s civil war.

They came in peace, but were killed while serving their country. The names listed below are provided by the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Captain Ward Boston, Jr., JAGC, USN (1923–2008) was a U.S. Navy pilot, lawyer, and senior legal counsel for the Navy’s 1967 Court of Inquiry into the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty. He later stated that the inquiry was rushed and claimed superiors ordered a false conclusion that the attack was a mistake.  The following is his declaration:

Early Years

Hall of Fame boxer Kenneth Howard Norton was born on August 9, 1943, in Jacksonville, Illinois. A standout high school athlete, he starred in football, baseball and track. Following high school, Norton made his way to Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, on a football scholarship.