I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. They were both rare kind of Marines. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. 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. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. John stood up to run. This is an extraordinary piece of History. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Eternal be his memory . He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. 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. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. She was a patriotic American to the core!! "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Its why I have the attitudes I do. John Basilone Quotes. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. 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. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. 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. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. 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. 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. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. I am proud to call John and Lena. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. John Basilone's Grave. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. 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. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. 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 . She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. 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. I was so happy for them both when they got married. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. 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]. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Barbara Garner. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. 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. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. 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. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. 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. I read the book Im staying with my boys. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. We need everyone on the line. 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. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Semper Fi. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. She is my hero. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. 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. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, [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. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. 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. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Thank you!!! Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. December 26, 2022 by Robin. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Thank God she had someone. Regardless of whether Basilone's ability was real or imagined, what matters is that he believed it, making his request for orders to the fleet and his actions on Iwo Jima all the more astounding. Required fields are marked *. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. I wish i could have known her. 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. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) . Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. I had it easy in comparison. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. 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. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I know she would enrich my life. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. She belongs at Arlington. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. Charles "Check" Tatum. What a debt we owe to that generation. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: While he is training a company of recruits in the fine art of killing Japanese, Basilone meets Lena Riggi, a female Marine just turned 30 and cynical as hell about the advances of yet another lonely guy in uniform, especially a celebrity who can get the best tables at the nicest restaurants. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. [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. They were dumb animals who wanted . G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. The tickets are free but . She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. He was sent home to sell. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. 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. They both are heros of mine. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. I think this battlespooked him. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Thank You Robin. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. My hero as well as her husband. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. Hi Mike or Major Pain. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Doc Thanks for the kind words. Quite a story.
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