She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. [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]. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima 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. If so where can I find it. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. 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. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. . Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. 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. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I had to settle for the Army. What a debt we owe to that generation. The date was February 19, 1945. This is what I remember about Lena. I think it is what spooked him from combat. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I think my Fathers generation were legends. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . God bless Sgt. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! . My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. He spoke very little about it. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. My hero as well as her husband. I read the book Im staying with my boys. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. Thank You David. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Only 34 Japanese survived it. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. I hope we can share information! During World War II she enlisted 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 Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I do miss her to this day. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. "They weren't even men anymore. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements Sad they didnt have children. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . They . I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. She loved him very much. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. Basilone, [] He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. 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. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. 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. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. 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. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. The price of freedom is not cheap. Thanks for the kind words. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine [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. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. 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. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. [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. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. DDG-122 USS John Basilone Arleigh Burke class destroyer Navy - Seaforces Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. 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. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Another USS John Basilone is What would make someone cut the connection so completely, yet state that she had the best?, Miss she had the man he was worth more than any material thing she had and her memory of him was enough for her. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade I love my Vietnam compadres and family. My mother was a lot like Lena. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. 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. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. 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. 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. 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. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. 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. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. 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. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. . 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. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal I know one person who could answer this question better than me. 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. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. I was never one to really say anything religious. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. 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. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. and for the families they left behind.. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 - July 31, 2004) was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films and a number of radio and television shows from the 1930s to the early 1980s. 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. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. . Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena 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. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. 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 a Marine, so she already earns much respect. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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. 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. So Ive been doing some research of my own. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Hi Robin: I second what you said. America was so much better i am sure. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. The tickets are free but . DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune May they rest in peace. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II 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. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. (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.

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