They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy What a debt we owe to that generation. 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]. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. 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). So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. What an amazing lady. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. 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. Although she was just. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. (Thats my VietNam). 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. Lena was definitely one of a kind. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Hi Mike or Major Pain. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. 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. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Thank You Robin. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. 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. 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. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Doc..thanks for the reply. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. It's simply . Lena was a very strong woman. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. 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. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. Hi Barbara! I had to settle for the Army. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association 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. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. John Basilone MoH. 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. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Medal of Honor citation. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Legacy. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. The Greatest Generation. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org 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! That was their mistake. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. 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. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. Virginia Grey is now deceased. 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 family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Megan. I do miss her to this day. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. The Life and Death of . 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. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. So Ive been doing some research of my own. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. The . My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. 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. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. The story is woven with surprising personal details. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! #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 . God bless! Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. P.S. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Eternal be his memory . When the heavy .30 . His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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 . As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. I think my Fathers generation were legends. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. . I was so happy for them both when they got married. 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. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. 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. Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! I served in 5 combat deployments. This is what I remember about Lena. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. It has a cost, a soldiers life. John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. 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. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened 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. 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. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. The war was shortend by what they did. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube She had much empathy for every veteran. After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. 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. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms.