On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Uncompromising with her conversations. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Are their any other books about him? We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. [5] In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th Infantry at Fort Jay, New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry.[6][7]. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. I think it is what spooked him from combat. Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a Thank You very much for being Lenas family. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum Hi Mike or Major Pain. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Required fields are marked *. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia So Ive been doing some research of my own. Ive watched the HBO series several times. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Death At Iwo Jima His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. "It brings back so many memories.". She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. John Basilone Quotes. Was never properly entered into her service records. I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com United States Government. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. Medal of Honor citation. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. May they rest in peace. His love for her was her memorial. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements You truley were a good friend to her. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. My father was a medic,like me. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. Your right Marie. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. I deserved it. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Leatherneck November 1988. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom Ca.. What a debt we owe to that generation. I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Thanks for posting her story. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. "They weren't even men anymore. They were dumb animals who wanted . While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade Dear Barbara Garner, Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. It has a cost, a soldiers life. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Sgt. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. Then, John marries this stranger and he focuses on her instead of the family.My opinion is they were terribly jealous of her and blamed her for taking away their son and brother. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. I will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. If so where can I find it. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. Although she was just. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. We spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. Lena never remarried. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Thanks for the kind words. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. I am so proud to be from a military family. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I think she was the most selfless person. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. What an amazing lady. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. This is an extraordinary piece of History. care.If that helps you. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. The legs were long, so they were rolled up.the waist was generally too big, so the y cinched up a belt around their waist. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Thank God she had someone. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Although she was just. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. Thanks to a character in the recent television series called The Pacific, the name of a female Marine has made an appearance on the pop culture radar: Lena Mae Riggi. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: While he is training a company of recruits in the fine art of killing Japanese, Basilone meets Lena Riggi, a female Marine just turned 30 and cynical as hell about the advances of yet another lonely guy in uniform, especially a celebrity who can get the best tables at the nicest restaurants. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. The story is woven with surprising personal details. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. They had been married for 7.3 months. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) I believe they had no further contact with her. Semper Fi. John Basilone MoH. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. I pray for all of them. There are few like them. BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. John Basilone - Wikipedia The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. God bless Sgt. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service.

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