My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. John Basilone, a recipient of the . May 10, 2013!! My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. Was never properly entered into her service records. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. 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. While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts.
February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Virginia Grey Entertainment - Actress Why Famous: Hullabaloo, film Age: 87 (3/22/1917 - 7/31/2004) Virginia Grey's Relationships (3) John Basilone Other - Other Why Famous: Recipient of Medal of Honor for Battle of Guadalcanal Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. 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. My god she was a hero as well as her husband.
John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. I read the book Im staying with my boys. 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. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. December 26, 2022 by Robin. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. 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. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . 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 Quotes | KnowQuotes.com On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery.
Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Amen. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. 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. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. Charles "Check" Tatum. 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. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. The war was shortend by what they did. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. [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. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD.
Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone She always did things that were bigger than herself. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. 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. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. 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. John Basilone. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. They had been married for 7.3 months. I have been trying to find you. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. . Naval Service.[11]. 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. 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. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. 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. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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. 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. Please call me and send your number. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. 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. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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 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. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. 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. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments.
John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. 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. Hi Robin: I second what you said. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper.
did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. I am so proud to be from a military family. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Doc..thanks for the reply. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Dear Barbara Garner,
John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. January. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. 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. 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. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series.
Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. That was their mistake. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Her parents were Italian immigrants. 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. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve.
Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade Her spirit still lives on.. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. She is my hero.
Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. (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. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! 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.
The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts 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. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary.
DDG-122 USS John Basilone Arleigh Burke class destroyer Navy - Seaforces or what its supposed to be. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. I believe they had no further contact with her. .
Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. According to the funeral . 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. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. John Basilone. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. 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. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. My father was a medic,like me. Hi Barbara! Thank You very much for being Lenas family. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!!
"The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb