Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Hello All: I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. What an amazing lady. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. 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. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. 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. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. It has a cost, a soldiers life. She is my hero. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. May 10, 2013!! A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. What a debt we owe to that generation. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. 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. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. 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 Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour 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 . John Basilone. 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. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Thank you!!! 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. Lena was definitely one of a kind. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. 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. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. January. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Legacy. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. 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. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. Then, John marries this stranger and he focuses on her instead of the family.My opinion is they were terribly jealous of her and blamed her for taking away their son and brother. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. 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. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. Amen. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. I think my Fathers generation were legends. 1939. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. I served in 5 combat deployments. Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. Thank You Robin. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. I pray for all of them. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. He spoke very little about it. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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. Your email address will not be published. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. 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. Thank You David. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. 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. 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. 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. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. She loved him very much. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. His love for her was her memorial. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Thank you? One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. 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. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. God bless! WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. My father was a medic,like me. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! This is probably why it occurred. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. 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. 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. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. This is an extraordinary piece of History. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. So Ive been doing some research of my own. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. If so where can I find it. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. "It brings back so many memories.". 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. That she and Gunnery Sgt. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. I warmly greet. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. 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. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. 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. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Its not a contest to receive one. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Ive watched the HBO series several times. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. He was 78. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. 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. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. May they rest in peace. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 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, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. John Basilone. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Lena was a very strong woman. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I think she was the most selfless person. I wish i was around then. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. By Jeff McDonald. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: 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. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I read the book Im staying with my boys. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Thats typical. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Only 34 Japanese survived it. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. He became a doctor and served his community well. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. 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 a huge fan of him and his wife. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. 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. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Death At Iwo Jima She must have been a great marine. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Was never properly entered into her service records. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. When the heavy .30 . Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. They were both rare kind of Marines. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. She belongs at Arlington.

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