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Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". John Basilone MoH. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube America was so much better i am sure. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. I wish i could have known her. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. John Basilone Quotes. 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. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. 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. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. 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. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. 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. Please call me and send your number. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena She must have been a great marine. 1939. Her spirit still lives on.. 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. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Wow! Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. Please let me know. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! 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. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Barbara Garner. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. 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. 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. 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. 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. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima 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 . If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. [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]. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. 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. Lena never remarried. God bless Sgt. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. 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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Charles "Check" Tatum. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! . I had to settle for the Army. 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. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP The . 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 . Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS 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. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. 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. They were good examples which I followed. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Dear Barbara Garner, John met Lena at Pendleton,it took a while because Lena was her own woman and a noncomissioned officer whe eventually attained the rank of Master Sergeant, She did not rush to John immediately as you saw in the Pacific but once she did they were head over heels for each other.John was a no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant and was very good with a machine gun and thats what got him the Congressional Medal of Honor(equivalent to a Victoria Cross). 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. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Your email address will not be published. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! End note 456 reads: "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. I know she would enrich my life. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. "Sgt. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. Eternal be his memory . While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. I deserved it. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . John Basilone, a recipient of the . Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. . She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. I am so proud to be from a military family. I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. My mother was a lot like Lena. . 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. Wife of John Basilone. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com Leatherneck November 1988. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. 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. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! My dad was a medic on Peleliu. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II He was sent home to sell. So Ive been doing some research of my own. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. 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. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. 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. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Hello All: I think it is what spooked him from combat. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Your right Marie. We need everyone on the line. 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. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. When the heavy .30 . After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. 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. 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. 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. . Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. or what its supposed to be. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. This is what I remember about Lena. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. 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. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us.
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