"I Was The Last Person Taken Out Alive" | Beirut Survivor: Danny Wheeler

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Danny Wheeler’s life was irrevocably altered on October 23, 1983, when he survived the Beirut barracks bombing, a bombing that took the lives of 241 U.S. servicemembers in one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. As the Lutheran chaplain for the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Danny was responsible for the spiritual care of the Marines in Beirut. On the day of the bombing, he was in his bunk on the 4th floor of the BLT building. When the bomb detonated, Danny rode the collapsing structure down, becoming trapped for five harrowing hours. During this time, he thought of his family, recited the plots of Louis L’Amour novels, and argued with God. He was the last survivor pulled alive from the rubble. Today, Danny shares his incredible story of survival and faith as part of our limited series: Beirut Survivors.

Born in Menomonie, WI, and raised in Dallas, WI, Danny Wheeler earned a Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary before being called to Naval Chaplaincy. He served with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, and later at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX, before transitioning to the Navy Reserves. Over 26 years in the Navy Chaplain Corps, Danny provided spiritual guidance and comfort in some of the most challenging environments, including the lead-up to and aftermath of the Beirut bombing, where he helped preside over memorial services and offered solace to Marines during intense shelling. Danny’s story is one of unwavering faith, service, and resilience.