You've got that right. The Iranian Hostage Crisis was probably the beginning for us. I was 11 when that happened, but I had a grasp of the implications. The Iranians waited to release the hostages after Reagan was sworn in, partly to embarrass Carter. Also, I believe the took not of the rising U.S. nationalism during the 1980 campaign. They (and likely many Americans) probably thought Reagan would actually take serious measures.
Given that, I was seriously disappointed when we pulled our forces out of Lebanon after the barrack bombing killed more than 200 Marines. That was the moment and Reagan was the man. I have heard many reasons for the pullout...lack of national interest being one. I think a lot could have been prevented had proper action been taken in '79 or '83. Obviously, it's 20/20 hindsight, but I believe it's true.
The multiple attacks throughout the '90s under Clinton only made terrorists less afraid of serious retaliation. I never bought the whole "proportional response" premise. I hope it's been completely trashed as policy.