He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on 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. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. December 26, 2022 by Robin. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. 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. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. I hope we can share information! John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Dear Barbara Garner, I deserved it. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org Megan. His love for her was her memorial. 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. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Hi Robin: I second what you said. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. 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. 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. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . [11] Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. 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. May they rest in peace. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. Lena never remarried. I warmly greet. 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. 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. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS I just saw this site today for the first time. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex She loved him very much. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! 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 am a huge fan of him and his wife. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. 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. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! 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. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. He was an Army NCO in his mind. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. 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. 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. I think my Fathers generation were legends. 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. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. 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. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. The war was shortend by what they did. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. They both are heros of mine. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. 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. Your email address will not be published. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association He was sent home to sell. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. John Basilone Quotes. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! 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. Hello All: Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. 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. Thanks, Dave. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. 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. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! [2] He was the sixth of ten children. We need everyone on the line. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . 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. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. I wish i could have known her. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. 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. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. My father was a medic,like me. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. She had her memories of John Basilone. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Hi Barbara! Thank you!!! Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Was never properly entered into her service records. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! Regards, She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. 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. Hi Mike or Major Pain. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. Medal of Honor citation. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. 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. 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. "They weren't even men anymore. After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. This is an extraordinary piece of History. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. [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 too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. 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. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . Lena was a very strong woman. Are their any other books about him? 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. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. 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. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I know she would enrich my life. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. 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. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. Your right Marie. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. They had been married for 7.3 months. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. When the heavy .30 . John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. I was never one to really say anything religious. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day And she cut it with flair! They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Leatherneck November 1988. The story is woven with surprising personal details. In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! Required fields are marked *. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. 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.

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