The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. 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. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. 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 (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. RegardsDoc P.S. I have been trying to find you. 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! Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I read the book Im staying with my boys. Thank You Robin. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. 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. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. (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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. 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. Brother & Sister. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. . Stella. Gracias, amiga! Was never properly entered into her service records. 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. I deserved it. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com 75 years after, my heart had broke. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. 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 . The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. John Basilone MoH. Uncompromising with her conversations. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. He spoke very little about it. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Amen. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. 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. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom (source). I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Her spirit still lives on.. Basilone, [] His love for her was her memorial. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. (Thats my VietNam). 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. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Death At Iwo Jima I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. P.S. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Hi Mike or Major Pain. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. Thank you for your insights. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone 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]. Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". America was so much better i am sure. Lena was definitely one of a kind. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. [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. I warmly greet. Regards, 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. Doc..thanks for the reply. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. 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. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. What an amazing lady. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! I believe they had no further contact with her. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery 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. 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. This is what I remember about Lena. John was killed on Iwo Jima February 19, 1945 just seven months after marrying the love of his life and seven months before the allies would declare victory in the Pacific. [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]. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. It's simply . I caught heck from Mom for not writing. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Another USS John Basilone is When the heavy .30 . . , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. This is probably why it occurred. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. She always did things that were bigger than herself. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) I was so happy for them both when they got married. I served in 5 combat deployments. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. Although she was just. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. The date was February 19, 1945. offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020. project zomboid ham radio frequencies; gunton hall rooms; kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. Donald F. Basilone (1929-2022) - monumento Find a Grave 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 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. He was one of a family of ten children. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. The Greatest Generation. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? She had much empathy for every veteran. They both are heros of mine. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum 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. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. 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. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association 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. How John Basilone died in The Pacific. He didn't actually - AVForums My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault.