John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom i am a proud American. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Naval Service.[11]. The . Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. End note 456 reads: 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. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I wish i was around then. John Basilone. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. I read the book Im staying with my boys. But he was very persistent !! John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into And she cut it with flair! I did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. Thats typical. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. Doc..thanks for the reply. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Ive watched the HBO series several times. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. I think this battlespooked him. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. 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. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. 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. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. I am proud to call John and Lena. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! My father was a medic and water purification specialist. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. We need everyone on the line. 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. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Required fields are marked *. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone John Basilone MoH. 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. The tickets are free but . From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. (source). So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. 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 just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. He was sent home to sell. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. [11] Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Lena never remarried. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. They had been married for 7.3 months. I served in 5 combat deployments. My mother was a lot like Lena. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube She is my hero. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. The Greatest Generation. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Japan lost a key advantage of giving Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. Legacy. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I pray for all of them. What a debt we owe to that generation. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. Lena was definitely one of a kind. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . 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. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Womens symposium focuses on family unit, Sgt Lena Basilone Part Three The semi-normal, day-to-day life of a female Marine, John Basilone: Returning to the Fight After Earning Medal of Honor, Read the Signs along the Road :: Stolinsky.com | Conservative political and social commentary, Sunday Salute: Sergeant Lena Riggi Basilone Deb Sinness, Author, Follow Women Marines Association on WordPress.com, Little Marine's Journal: Why I Joined the Marine Corps, Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 1 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 2 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 3 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 4 of 6], Marine 1st sergeant uses combat experience to save man hit by car, 3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15, Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel, As Ukraine highlights value of killer drones, Marine Corps wants more. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. So Ive been doing some research of my own. Thanks Robin. . Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Charles "Check" Tatum. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. He became a doctor and served his community well. . Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. 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. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. P.S. 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 caught heck from Mom for not writing. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . They were both rare kind of Marines. I deserved it. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. January. 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. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Regards, This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi.