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. . He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. John Basilone. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum There are few like them. 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. (Thats my VietNam). Quite a story. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. Naval Service.[11]. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Regards, The price of freedom is not cheap. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. We talked about her experiences. Her spirit still lives on.. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 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. 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. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. 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. When the heavy .30 . Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. She deserves it all! While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! 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. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Thank You David. God bless! For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. John Basilone MoH. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Thank you!!! Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . 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. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. 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. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . : My dad was the same way even though. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. 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? Please call me and send your number. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. Megan. Lena lives within a lot of us,sons of Pacific veterans and contemporary Marines and soldiers.Regards,SSG Rick ,Doc Borenstein, Hello Mrs. Barbara Garner, are an Italian lady and my name is Stella. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. John Basilone - Home of Heroes I love my Vietnam compadres and family. 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. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. . HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. 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. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. 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. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . 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. 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. [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. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! What an amazing lady. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 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. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. I think my Fathers generation were legends. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Although she was just. 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.
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