Victor Maghakian
United States Marine
Died when: 61 years 230 days (739 months)Star Sign: Capricorn
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.
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.
