Victor Maghakian

Victor Maghakian
Victor Maghakian
Native name	Վիգդոր Մաղաքեան
Nickname(s)	Transport
Born	December 30, 1915; Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	August 17, 1977 (aged 61); Fresno, California, U.S
Buried	Armenian Ararat Cemetery 36°44′44″N 119°50′04″W / 36.74559°N 119.834365°W
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1936–1939; 1942–1946;
Rank	Captain
Service number	251055
Unit	Second Marine Raider Battalion
Battles/wars	Sino-Japanese War; World War II:; Makin Island raid; Guadalcanal Campaign; Battle of Kwajalein; Battle of Eniwetok; Battle of Tinian; Battle of Saipan;
Awards	Navy Cross; Silver Star (2); Bronze Star (2); Purple Heart (2);
Other work	Hotel executive; security consultant;

Captain Victor "Transport" Maghakian (Armenian: Վիգդոր Մաղաքեան; December 30, 1915 – August 17, 1977) was an Armenian-American member of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. As a gunnery sergeant, he led his platoon through some of the bloodiest fighting in seven South Pacific campaigns, including the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Having received over two dozen medals and awards, he is considered one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war.^[1]

Maghakian served with the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions and the Raiders. During the Makin Island raid, Maghakian led the charge onto the beachhead with a landing force and fought while suffering a forearm wound. He was awarded with the Navy Cross for his efforts during the raid. Although he was supposed to return home afterward, Maghakian requested to join the Guadalcanal campaign, and was shipped two weeks later. He was again wounded in action.

In January 1944, Maghakian volunteered to participate in another assault, against Kwajalein Atoll of the Marshall Islands, in the Battle of Kwajalein. After Kwajalein, Maghakian and the Marines landed on the Eniwetok Atoll in February 1944, and continued to capture several more islands. He took part in the Battle of Tinian and was the one who raised the American flag on the island after its capture. Maghakian was part of a Marine force that captured a Japanese aircraft field during the Battle of Saipan.

^ "World War II Hero Dies", Associated Press report in Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 19, 1977, p.44 ("Victor Maghakian, one of the nation's most decorated Marines in World War II, has died... Maghakian was awarded more than two dozen medals, including the Navy Cross, which is second to the Medal of Honor in military status.")

[1] "World War II Hero Dies", Associated Press report in Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 19, 1977, p.44 ("Victor Maghakian, one of the nation's most decorated Marines in World War II, has died... Maghakian was awarded more than two dozen medals, including the Navy Cross, which is second to the Medal of Honor in military status.")

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