To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. "They weren't even men anymore. John Basilone Quotes. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. 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. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. Medal of Honor citation. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, That she and Gunnery Sgt. The . Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. I warmly greet. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. 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 . I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. 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 . A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. 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. 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.. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. I believe they had no further contact with her. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! 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. 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. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. 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. I wish i could have known her. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Naval Service.[11]. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! My dad was a medic on Peleliu. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. Was never properly entered into her service records. I think this battlespooked him. 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. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. 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. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. 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. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. 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. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. [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 am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Hi Barbara! I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. Doc She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. The Greatest Generation. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Thanks Robin. 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. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. She had her memories of John Basilone. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. He was an Army NCO in his mind. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. My hero as well as her husband. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. . Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. 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. This is what I remember about Lena. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. She must have been a great marine. 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). What an amazing lady. Regards, My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? Her parents were Italian immigrants. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. 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. The war was shortend by what they did. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. 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. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. 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. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. Another USS John Basilone is Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. She was a patriotic American to the core!! 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. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). 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. #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 . Please let me know. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. 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. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. Its why I have the attitudes I do. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Quite a story. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Thank God she had someone. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. John stood up to run. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. 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. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. And she cut it with flair! My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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 have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. Uncompromising with her conversations. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! 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. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. 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. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. 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. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. (source). The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. 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. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. They both are heros of mine. Although she was just. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. 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. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. He became a doctor and served his community well. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . 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 . . I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Brother & Sister. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. John Basilone, a recipient of the . She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. 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. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. (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. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. I think it is what spooked him from combat. Hello All: Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. 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. May 10, 2013!! He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. 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. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. I know she would enrich my life. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. 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. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944.
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