, Lena was a hero to me and so was John. 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. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . We talked about her experiences. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). "They weren't even men anymore. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. When the heavy .30 . She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. (Thats my VietNam). 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. 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. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. The tickets are free but . I do miss her to this day. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. Please let me know. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. #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 . Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. Lena was definitely one of a kind. 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. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. John Basilone. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Ca.. Japan lost a key advantage of giving I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. That she and Gunnery Sgt. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. 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. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." 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 . I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. They were dumb animals who wanted . Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. This is an extraordinary piece of History. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. Sad they didnt have children. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. John Basilone. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. 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! He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. [5] In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th Infantry at Fort Jay, New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry.[6][7]. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. 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. 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 died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. 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]. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. She belongs at Arlington. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". John stood up to run. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. She must have been a great marine. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. I hope we can share information! We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Was never properly entered into her service records. 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. 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. 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. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. [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. I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. 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. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! 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. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. I served in 5 combat deployments. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years.