In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. 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 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 . David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. He was one of a family of ten children. 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. Medal of Honor citation. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? RegardsDoc P.S. On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. She belongs at Arlington. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. 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 am a proud American. 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. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. 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.. Eternal be his memory . Womens symposium focuses on family unit, Sgt Lena Basilone Part Three The semi-normal, day-to-day life of a female Marine, John Basilone: Returning to the Fight After Earning Medal of Honor, Read the Signs along the Road :: Stolinsky.com | Conservative political and social commentary, Sunday Salute: Sergeant Lena Riggi Basilone Deb Sinness, Author, Follow Women Marines Association on WordPress.com, Little Marine's Journal: Why I Joined the Marine Corps, Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 1 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 2 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 3 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 4 of 6], Marine 1st sergeant uses combat experience to save man hit by car, 3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15, Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel, As Ukraine highlights value of killer drones, Marine Corps wants more. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! 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. Megan. care.If that helps you. 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. 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. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. This is probably why it occurred. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 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. 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 My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . Gracias, amiga! According to the funeral . The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. And she cut it with flair! Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. She is my hero. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. 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. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Basilone, [] Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) 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 served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Was never properly entered into her service records. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. 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). I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. 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. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Its not a contest to receive one. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. 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. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. Hi Barbara! I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. He became a doctor and served his community well. [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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I know she would enrich my life. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Thanks, Dave. 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. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: 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. They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. I had to settle for the Army. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. She deserves it all! John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. 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. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. Semper Fi. My mother was a lot like Lena. (Thats my VietNam). We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. This is an extraordinary piece of History. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. Leatherneck November 1988. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. 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. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. She must have been a great marine. Are their any other books about him? 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. I have studied the war in the Pacific. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. This is what I remember about Lena. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. . I think she was the most selfless person. I am so proud to be from a military family. 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They were good examples which I followed. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. 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. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). The . I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. Lena never remarried. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. But he was very persistent !! We talked about her experiences. 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. 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. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. January. 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. 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 . Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. I had it easy in comparison. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. 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!!! I claim nothing in this video. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 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 Lena never remarried. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Quite a story. 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. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. We need everyone on the line. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. [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. Ive watched the HBO series several times. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. 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. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. It was great. John Basilone Quotes. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. They . Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. P.S. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. 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. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? 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. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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 strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. 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.
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