75 years after, my heart had broke. Required fields are marked *. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. She must have been a great marine. (source). 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. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. 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. He spoke very little about it. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. John Basilone whom she was aware of. 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. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Her parents were Italian immigrants. 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. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 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. They . I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. I read the book Im staying with my boys. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. 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. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. I think it is what spooked him from combat. The story is woven with surprising personal details. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. Hi Robin: I second what you said. He was one of a family of ten children. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. End note 456 reads: I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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. According to the funeral . Thank You David. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. I have studied the war in the Pacific. 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. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Legacy. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. 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. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. Death At Iwo Jima She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. This is an extraordinary piece of History. 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 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. 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. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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 Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! John Basilone. 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. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. 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. : My dad was the same way even though. . [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. United States Government. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. 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. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. The Greatest Generation. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Please let me know. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. I do miss her to this day. "It brings back so many memories.". During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. I believe they had no further contact with her. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Its why I have the attitudes I do. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. 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. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. 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. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Hi Barbara! Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. 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! Lena was a very strong woman. I think she was the most selfless person. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Charles "Check" Tatum. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. She had her memories of John Basilone. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. . The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. 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. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines.
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