If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I was so happy for them both when they got married. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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 rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. The date was February 19, 1945. You truley were a good friend to her. Regards, Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute Medal of Honor citation. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. . Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. 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. Although she was just. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! John Basilone - Wikipedia What an amazing lady. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes 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. (Thats my VietNam). According to the funeral . John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. My hero as well as her husband. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom We did our jobs and what were asked to do. [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]. 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. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Thanks for the kind words. My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. I have been trying to find you. Lena never remarried. That was their mistake. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. End note 456 reads: I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Thanks, Dave. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. My father was a medic,like me. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. 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 . [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. They had been married for 7.3 months. After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) Virginia Grey Entertainment - Actress Why Famous: Hullabaloo, film Age: 87 (3/22/1917 - 7/31/2004) Virginia Grey's Relationships (3) John Basilone Other - Other Why Famous: Recipient of Medal of Honor for Battle of Guadalcanal John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post He was sent home to sell. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I was never one to really say anything religious. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. We talked about her experiences. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. This is probably why it occurred. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. 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 served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone | The semi-normal, day - a female Marine I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Marine Corp veteran Korea Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan, NJ Courier News Sep. 7, 2022 Obituary of Donald Basilone Donald Basilone, 92, of Newport Richie, died August 13, 2022. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. 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. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero Dear Barbara Garner, It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. God bless! He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. 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 She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. I think it is what spooked him from combat. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Leatherneck November 1988. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. I think my Fathers generation were legends. 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. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Hi Robin: I second what you said. [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. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . 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. 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. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. December 26, 2022 by Robin. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Thank you!!! There are few like them. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. 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. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. 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. They . It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Doc..thanks for the reply. Sgt. Your right Marie. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Thanks Robin. 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. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. She belongs at Arlington. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Her spirit still lives on.. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. I deserved it. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. 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. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII America was so much better i am sure. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. Sad they didnt have children. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. 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. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. 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. 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. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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 always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. or what its supposed to be. 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. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. She is my hero. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. 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. Are their any other books about him? Gracias, amiga! 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. My mother was a lot like Lena. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. Thank God she had someone. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Semper Fi. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. Thank You Robin. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status - San Diego Union-Tribune I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Lena was a very strong woman. John stood up to run. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Lena was definitely one of a kind. 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. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. . May God Bless John and Lena Basilone.
Can A Felon Own A Primitive Weapon, Who Is Running For Perrysburg City Council, Johnson And Johnson Mesh Lawsuit Update 2021, 100 Days Wild Where Are They Now, What Kind Of Hat Does Dusty Hill Wear, Articles J