Please let me know. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. 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. 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 both for your service and sacrifice. 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. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. They were both rare kind of Marines. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. Your email address will not be published. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP I warmly greet. What a debt we owe to that generation. The legs were long, so they were rolled up.the waist was generally too big, so the y cinched up a belt around their waist. He was an Army NCO in his mind. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. 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. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! I served in 5 combat deployments. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. That she and Gunnery Sgt. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. 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. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes He was one of a family of ten children. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. . Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. 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. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal. 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. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. 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. She deserves it all! Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). 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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. 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. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Death At Iwo Jima GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Thanks, Dave. or what its supposed to be. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! That was their mistake. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! 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. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune Semper Fi. 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. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. So Ive been doing some research of my own. I think this battlespooked him. The war was shortend by what they did. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 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). A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. . (Thats my VietNam). Quite a story. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. Thank God she had someone. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. 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. On the night of Oct. 24, 1942, on the island of Guadalcanal, a Japanese regiment of 3,000 troops attacked a handful of Marines, including Sergeant Basilone. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. It was great. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. It's simply . I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. 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. 1939. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. Ca.. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. 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 was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. 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. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. 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. I am so proud to be from a military family. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Hi Robin: I second what you said. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. . I wish i was around then. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. Required fields are marked *. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). They were good examples which I followed. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. He was sent home to sell. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. Lena never remarried. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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? December 26, 2022 by Robin. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Amen. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. 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. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. John Basilone, a recipient of the . [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 served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. 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! John Basilone whom she was aware of. She was a patriotic American to the core!! Brother & Sister. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube . John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima . This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. I think she was the most selfless person. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. My husband was stationed in California in the 80s; I even stayed with one of his relatives in Riverside while he checked in at MCRD San Diego. This is what I remember about Lena. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack I have studied the war in the Pacific. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Wife of John Basilone. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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 . God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube I am eternal grateful for that help. 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. 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 . I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. Was never properly entered into her service records. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. The price of freedom is not cheap. And she cut it with flair! She had much empathy for every veteran. 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. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. 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 If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. 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 was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . 75 years after, my heart had broke. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger God Bless, her and her husband!!!! I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. 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. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. 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. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom