Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! That she and Gunnery Sgt. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. The Life and Death of . May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. 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. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. 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. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. . "It brings back so many memories.". 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. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. 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. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Although she was just. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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. He was an Army NCO in his mind. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. 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. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. 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. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! 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 . I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. 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. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. Required fields are marked *. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. Thank you!!! I pray for all of them. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. 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. Semper Fi. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Lena never remarried. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Ca.. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. They both are heros of mine. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. I served in 5 combat deployments. or what its supposed to be. 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. 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. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. I will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. Stella. 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. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Gracias, amiga! We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Thank you for your insights. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". [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. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. I wish i could have known her. January. I hope we can share information! Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Wow! If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. Naval Service.[11]. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. God bless Sgt. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Wife of John Basilone. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. 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. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia John Basilone's Grave. Hi Robin: I second what you said. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! John Basilone. 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. The story is woven with surprising personal details. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! 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. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. The . I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. 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. care.If that helps you. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. 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. Doc..thanks for the reply. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. She had her memories of John Basilone. Only 34 Japanese survived it. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Basilone fought. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. I have been trying to find you. 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. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. 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. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. 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. Thank You Robin. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. The war was shortend by what they did. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. She loved him very much. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. 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. 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. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. I deserved it. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. My father was a medic,like me. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. . Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! Another USS John Basilone is I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Sgt. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! God bless! During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. 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. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. So Ive been doing some research of my own. 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 ? I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. They were dumb animals who wanted . I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! and for the families they left behind.. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Please call me and send your number. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. She always did things that were bigger than herself. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Was never properly entered into her service records. He spoke very little about it. 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. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. 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. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. We talked about her experiences. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. 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. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. . I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps.

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