Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. 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. When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. 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. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Hi Mike or Major Pain. 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. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). She is truely my hero as well as her husband. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. By Jeff McDonald. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. Japan lost a key advantage of giving She belongs at Arlington. 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. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. 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. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. 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. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun January. He spoke very little about it. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. Eternal be his memory . As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Brother & Sister. My hero as well as her husband. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. . I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Virginia Grey Entertainment - Actress Why Famous: Hullabaloo, film Age: 87 (3/22/1917 - 7/31/2004) Virginia Grey's Relationships (3) John Basilone Other - Other Why Famous: Recipient of Medal of Honor for Battle of Guadalcanal Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. The Greatest Generation. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. 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. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. 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. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . Your email address will not be published. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. Its not a contest to receive one. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. 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. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. 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. 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. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. 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. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. Barbara Garner. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. 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. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Amen. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Thank you for your insights. 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. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . While he is training a company of recruits in the fine art of killing Japanese, Basilone meets Lena Riggi, a female Marine just turned 30 and cynical as hell about the advances of yet another lonely guy in uniform, especially a celebrity who can get the best tables at the nicest restaurants. She had her memories of John Basilone. John Basilone. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Lena was a very strong woman. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. That was their mistake. Stella. I think this battlespooked him. They both are heros of mine. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. . As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. I hope we can share information! During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Virginia Grey - nndb.com His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Legacy. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima 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. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. . 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Lena never remarried. John Basilone MoH. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes 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. I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. John Basilone's Grave. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Gracias, amiga! I had to settle for the Army. It's simply . John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts [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. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. John Basilone, a recipient of the . Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone 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. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . Leatherneck November 1988. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? 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 May they rest in peace. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Wow! Only 34 Japanese survived it. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. I am so proud to be from a military family. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Was never properly entered into her service records. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. 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. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. 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. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. I claim nothing in this video. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. Quite a story. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. I think it is what spooked him from combat. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. We talked about her experiences. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Hello All: 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. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I deserved it. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. John Basilone - Home of Heroes His love for her was her memorial. Wife of John Basilone. United States Government. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. I warmly greet. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. [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. John Basilone - Wikipedia I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. 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. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Hi Barbara! Her spirit still lives on.. 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. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.