Lance Corporal John Anthony Butchko, Jr.

John Anthony Butchko, Jr.

Lance Corporal John Butchko succumbed to injuries sustained on July 3rd, 1976, when he was struck by lightning while on duty in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He was providing site security at the landing zone for Marine One while awaiting the arrival of President Gerald Ford who was giving a speech in the area. He was rushed to the Philadelphia Naval Medical Center in serious condition. He succumbed to his injuries three weeks later without ever having regained consciousness.

Lance Corporal Butchko was a U.S Marine Corps veteran and had served in the Military Police as part of the Presidential Guard for two years. He is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.