Thank you for your insights. I was never one to really say anything religious. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. 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 finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! It's simply . I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. 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. [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. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. 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. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade 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. Thanks for the kind words. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. 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. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. By Jeff McDonald. She loved him very much. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org 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. . They both are heros of mine. 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. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. 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). She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Johnny was definitely the love of her life! However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. 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. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. 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. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. and for the families they left behind.. I wish i could have known her. 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 . I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. 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. 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. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. : My dad was the same way even though. Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times 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. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. [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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. According to the funeral . 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. John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Thanks to a character in the recent television series called "The Pacific", the name of a female Marine has made an appearance on the pop culture radar: Lena Mae Riggi. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Thank you? Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine I believe they had no further contact with her. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . We did our jobs and what were asked to do. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. My father was a medic,like me. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. 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. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. She was a patriotic American to the core!! One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. You truley were a good friend to her. I have been trying to find you. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. Semper Fi. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. What a debt we owe to that generation. December 26, 2022 by Robin. I think this battlespooked him. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. We talked about her experiences. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. I know she would enrich my life. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. I deserved it. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. 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. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. DDG-122 USS John Basilone Arleigh Burke class destroyer Navy - Seaforces she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! 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. Quite a story. I pray for all of them. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. That she and Gunnery Sgt. 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. 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. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima He was sent home to sell. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger 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. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. . At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Death At Iwo Jima [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. 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 again support Lenas generation and love what she did. 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. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. Was never properly entered into her service records. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Regards, He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . 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. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Amen. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong.