U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
John Butchko
1976
John Anthony Butchko Jr. served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Location: Pennsylvania
Incident Date: Saturday, July 3, 1976
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.
Incident Date: Saturday, July 3, 1976
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.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
United States Marine Corps Military Police
Lance Corporal
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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