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“TRIBUTE TO VICTOR ``TRANSPORT'' MAGHAKIAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E815 on May 1, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO VICTOR ``TRANSPORT'' MAGHAKIAN
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HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 1, 1997
Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Victor
``Transport'' Maghakian. A legend of World War II, Maghakian was one of the most decorated and well-respected soldiers of the war.
A native of Chicago, Maghakian moved to San Diego with his family in 1930. Nine years later, he moved to Fresno. He first served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Philippines and throughout China. His familiarity with foreign bases throughout the Pacific earned him the nickname
``Transport.'' After Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, Maghakian re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and was selected to work with the so-called suicide unit of crack soldiers. These tough Marines were known as Carlson's Raiders.
As a gunnery sergeant, Maghakian led his troops through what was believed to be some of the bloodiest fighting in seven South Pacific campaigns. During one mission, Maghakian even made himself a human target so that a sniper, who had wounded one of his buddies, would give up his hiding spot. The enemy was shot, but not before Maghakian was shot himself, wounded by the sniper's gun-fire.
Maghakian's bravery allowed him to continue undaunted through numerous battles. In 1944, during the battle of Eniwetok, he eliminated the last four Japanese soldiers on Mellu Island and went on to rescue a platoon by destroying the enemy flank with grenades. In the battle, he saved the life of a young man who went on to be one of Hollywood's finest actors--Lee Marvin. He also became the first officer to raise the American flag on Tinian Island.
After leaving active duty in 1946, Maghakian retired as a captain, with full honors. He received the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. He returned to Fresno where he owned and managed the Mid-Valley Beer and Wine Wholesale Distributing Co. and the Victor Mobile Service. Maghakian later joined the State Department as a security officer in Morocco before settling in Las Vegas. He eventually moved back to Fresno where he died in 1977, and was buried at Ararat Cemetery.
Mr. Speaker, Victor ``Transport'' Maghakian fought for this Nation's freedom with uncommon valor. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Victor Maghakian, an American hero.
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