January. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. 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. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. His love for her was her memorial. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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. He spoke very little about it. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. I claim nothing in this video. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. I just saw this site today for the first time. The war was shortend by what they did. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your insights. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. 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. God bless! Thank You Robin. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . John Basilone Quotes. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Lena was a very strong woman. Lena never remarried. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Thats typical. 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. She belongs at Arlington. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. 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 . While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. The story is woven with surprising personal details. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. 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. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. This is probably why it occurred. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. 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. Your email address will not be published. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . 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. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Janet Bowman Johnson is looking for anyone stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1965-66, and/or who attended Boot Camp February, March of 1965 at CamPen sge originally worked at Battalion Hqtrs, then at the Training Aids Library Read about Elize McKelvey and her unique job. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Death At Iwo Jima They both are heros of mine. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. 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. 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Lena was definitely one of a kind. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Your email address will not be published. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Thanks for posting her story. 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. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. 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 . God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020. project zomboid ham radio frequencies; gunton hall rooms; kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. 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! December 26, 2022 by Robin. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. I deserved it. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . 1939. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. 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. 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. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. 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. America was so much better i am sure. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. [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]. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Chuck Tatum who survived 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. Basilone fought. 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). [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. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. 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. 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. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. What an amazing lady. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. I think she was the most selfless person. Regardless of whether Basilone's ability was real or imagined, what matters is that he believed it, making his request for orders to the fleet and his actions on Iwo Jima all the more astounding. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. I have been trying to find you. He was one of a family of ten children. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena lives within a lot of us,sons of Pacific veterans and contemporary Marines and soldiers.Regards,SSG Rick ,Doc Borenstein, Hello Mrs. Barbara Garner, are an Italian lady and my name is Stella. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. 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!) Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. I am proud to call John and Lena. 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 . Thanks Robin. 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. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. 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 caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. The price of freedom is not cheap. Her parents were Italian immigrants. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. 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. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. 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. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. 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. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. I had it easy in comparison. I am so proud to be from a military family. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! 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. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. 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. 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. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. I think it is what spooked him from combat. What a debt we owe to that generation. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Hi Barbara! David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. This is an extraordinary piece of History. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Doc WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 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 . My father was a medic,like me. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. 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. 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. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. 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. (source). 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. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. I am eternal grateful for that help. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. They were dumb animals who wanted . Charles "Check" Tatum. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Amen. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. I do miss her to this day. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. 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. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. Medal of Honor citation. 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. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. "They weren't even men anymore. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Uncompromising with her conversations. It was great. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. . When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. 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. Quite a story. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Thanks, Dave. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. Thank you? Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair.
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