Barbara Garner. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. I think this battlespooked him. And she cut it with flair! 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]. 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. Sad they didnt have children. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Eternal be his memory . My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. They had been married for 7.3 months. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Wow! You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. She had her memories of John Basilone. [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. I know she would enrich my life. I have been trying to find you. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Regards, Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. I just saw this site today for the first time. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Thanks for the kind words. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. Semper Fi. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. (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. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. December 26, 2022 by Robin. It has a cost, a soldiers life. United States Government. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Lena never forgot us and took care of us. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! 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. 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. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. "It brings back so many memories.". Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. 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. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. 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. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Thanks, Dave. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. John Basilone. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. My hero as well as her husband. 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. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. He was sent home to sell. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . 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. May they rest in peace. Dear Barbara Garner, My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. I think my Fathers generation were legends. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. The Life and Death of . G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. She always did things that were bigger than herself. 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. I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. They were dumb animals who wanted . She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. 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. Amen. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. January. Required fields are marked *. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence I pray for all of them. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! I have studied the war in the Pacific. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. "They weren't even men anymore. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. 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. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I think she was the most selfless person. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Megan. [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. Lena never remarried. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. This is probably why it occurred. He spoke very little about it. But he was very persistent !! On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour 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 . Thank You David. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . i am a proud American. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Its not a contest to receive one. In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. Thank you for your insights. Uncompromising with her conversations. America was so much better i am sure. . If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. They were both technically saavy at their jobs and legendary leaders as NCOs.They are heros to me, as the members of my family who answered the call and still do to this day, my family in Israel. I think it is what spooked him from combat. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. 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. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. John Basilone Quotes. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. 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 . Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. John Basilone whom she was aware of. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Hi Robin: I second what you said. Although she was just. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. 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. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . It was great. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . My husband was stationed in California in the 80s; I even stayed with one of his relatives in Riverside while he checked in at MCRD San Diego. 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. I had to settle for the Army. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. So Ive been doing some research of my own. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. 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. Are their any other books about him? I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Thanks Robin. The Greatest Generation. 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]. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived.
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