My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And . 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. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Required fields are marked *. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII But she always contended it would be too much trouble. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. 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 is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. 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! she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. We need everyone on the line. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 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. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun I read the book Im staying with my boys. She had much empathy for every veteran. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Barbara Garner. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. It's simply . Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. 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. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. 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 . Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. [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]. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Doc..thanks for the reply. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. 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 was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I think my Fathers generation were legends. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. They both are heros of mine. Please let me know. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. She always did things that were bigger than herself. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. . She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. 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. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. Only 34 Japanese survived it. Uncompromising with her conversations. MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. May 10, 2013!! Hi Robin: I second what you said. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! They were both technically saavy at their jobs and legendary leaders as NCOs.They are heros to me, as the members of my family who answered the call and still do to this day, my family in Israel. Was never properly entered into her service records. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . John Basilone. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. Medal of Honor citation. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I had it easy in comparison. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. 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). However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. 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 especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. That she and Gunnery Sgt. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Lena was a very strong woman. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal Please call me and send your number. Stella. 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. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Leatherneck November 1988. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! 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 ? She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. 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. 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. I claim nothing in this video. Hi Barbara! Pacific Wrecks - The Pacific Episode 8 - Historical Commentary on The 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima 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 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. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. The Greatest Generation. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. (Thats my VietNam). Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. John met Lena at Pendleton,it took a while because Lena was her own woman and a noncomissioned officer whe eventually attained the rank of Master Sergeant, She did not rush to John immediately as you saw in the Pacific but once she did they were head over heels for each other.John was a no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant and was very good with a machine gun and thats what got him the Congressional Medal of Honor(equivalent to a Victoria Cross). 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. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. 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. John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com 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. Wow! Gracias, amiga! 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. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. I wish i could have known her. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. I am proud to call John and Lena. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? : My dad was the same way even though. [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. Thats typical. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Thanks, Dave. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. 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. I just saw this site today for the first time. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia Virginia Grey is now deceased. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Lena never remarried. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Regards, Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Basilone, [] The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. 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. John stood up to run. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. "They weren't even men anymore. 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. 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. 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. 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. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. 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. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. She belongs at Arlington. I was never one to really say anything religious. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. P.S. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Wife of John Basilone. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Japan lost a key advantage of giving My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Megan. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret.
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