She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. 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. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? God bless Sgt. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Dear Barbara Garner, Your email address will not be published. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! 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. (source). I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. I wish i was around then. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. I have been trying to find you. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. I had it easy in comparison. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. Doc..thanks for the reply. Although she was just. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. 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. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. John stood up to run. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I claim nothing in this video. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, It's simply . Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Uncompromising with her conversations. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. United States Government. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. [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. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. 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. Thank You Robin. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! 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. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. I was never one to really say anything religious. 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. 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. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. Thank you!!! I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. or what its supposed to be. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. care.If that helps you. 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. Thank you for your insights. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . Brother & Sister. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Its not a contest to receive one. 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. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. [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. I do miss her to this day. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. It was great. 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. 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 hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. My father was a medic,like me. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They were both rare kind of Marines. 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. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. He was sent home to sell. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. 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. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. My hero as well as her husband. 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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. 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. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Doc However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. 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. He became a doctor and served his community well. The Life and Death of . I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for posting her story. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. My mother was a lot like Lena. I believe they had no further contact with her. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. Amen. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Ive watched the HBO series several times. She loved him very much. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. The . What would make someone cut the connection so completely, yet state that she had the best?, Miss she had the man he was worth more than any material thing she had and her memory of him was enough for her. God bless! HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. It has a cost, a soldiers life. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. She must have been a great marine. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . That she and Gunnery Sgt. 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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. He was 78. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. What a debt we owe to that generation. Although she was just. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Wow! 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. Her parents were Italian immigrants. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. 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. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . I know she would enrich my life. Another USS John Basilone is Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Are their any other books about him? I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. He spoke very little about it. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! 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. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. . The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. Marine Corp veteran Korea Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan, NJ Courier News Sep. 7, 2022 Obituary of Donald Basilone Donald Basilone, 92, of Newport Richie, died August 13, 2022. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. What an amazing lady. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. He was one of a family of ten children. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. I have studied the war in the Pacific. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. . There are few like them. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! The price of freedom is not cheap. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic.
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