Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. 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. Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. . DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Amen. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. United States Government. I hope we can share information! The war was shortend by what they did. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Although she was just. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. He was an Army NCO in his mind. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. It's simply . Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Brother & Sister. I was never one to really say anything religious. John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom I did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Thanks for posting her story. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb 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. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. 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. 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! MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal. 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. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. 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. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. 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. That she and Gunnery Sgt. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. 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. 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. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Stella. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. This is an extraordinary piece of History. John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. 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. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Was never properly entered into her service records. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post John Basilone - Home of Heroes The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. They were both rare kind of Marines. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! My hero as well as her husband. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Sgt. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. 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. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times 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. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. 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. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . 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. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. 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. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. 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. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. I think she was the most selfless person. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Although she was just. John Basilone MoH. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. I know she would enrich my life. John Basilone. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. Janet Bowman Johnson is looking for anyone stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1965-66, and/or who attended Boot Camp February, March of 1965 at CamPen sge originally worked at Battalion Hqtrs, then at the Training Aids Library Read about Elize McKelvey and her unique job. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Thank you!!! 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!) Thanks, Dave. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. They . 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . 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. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. 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. 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. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. 1939. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Uncompromising with her conversations. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? There are few like them. January. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. The date was February 19, 1945. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. DDG-122 USS John Basilone Arleigh Burke class destroyer Navy - Seaforces This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. The price of freedom is not cheap. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. Hi Barbara! the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. 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. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. (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. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . RegardsDoc P.S. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. So Ive been doing some research of my own. They had been married for 7.3 months. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII [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. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. When the heavy .30 . I know one person who could answer this question better than me. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun and for the families they left behind.. Your email address will not be published. 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 deserved it. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. 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. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. She had her memories of John Basilone. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. 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]. Basilone fought. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes We spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. The . He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. 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. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. 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. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. 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. Required fields are marked *. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Leatherneck November 1988. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo "It brings back so many memories.". Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia I salute everybody and those of us who survived. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. I am so proud to be from a military family. 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. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. 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. Are their any other books about him? May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. I think this battlespooked him. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? 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. Wife of John Basilone. I had to settle for the Army. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents.