Politics & Government

Fallen Honored On 30th Anniversary of Beirut Bombing

Thomas A. Shipp, of Woonsocket, was among the lives lost in the 1983 bombing.

By Sandy McGee

In the early morning hours of Oct. 23, 1983, the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine headquarters building in Beirut was destroyed by a terrorist bomb. 

Approximately 241 died from the bombing, including nine Rhode Islanders. 

On Wednesday, family members, friends, veterans, lawmakers and residents packed the Portsmouth Historical Society to remember and honor the fallen, including Woonsocket's Cpl. Thomas A. Shipp. The Woonsocket Call has posted an interview about that time with Shipp's brother,Russell, who now lives in Lincoln.

"We must all stand together so those sacrificing their lives are never forgotten," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. 

"This is a day of remembrance, reflection and respect." 

"They came in peace; they died in heroic valor," said guest speaker Lt. Col. Donald Thieme of the Naval War College. Speakers at the ceremony also included U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Marine Capt. Cavan Croskey. 

Marines, sailors and soldiers, who lost their lives on Oct. 23, 1983, are as follows: 

Cpl. Rick R. Crudale of Warwick 
Sgt. Timothy R. Giblin of North Providence
Cpl. Edward S. Iacovino Jr. of Warwick
LCpl. Thomas A. Julian of Middletown 
Cpl. David Massa of Warren 
Cpl. Thomas A. Shipp of Woonsocket 
Cpl. James F. Silvia of Middletown 
Cpl. Edward Soares Jr. of Tiverton 
Cpl. Stephen E. Spencer of Portsmouth


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