and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! 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. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. I served in 5 combat deployments. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. May 10, 2013!! I just saw this site today for the first time. John Basilone Quotes. 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 in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. I think my Fathers generation were legends. But he was very persistent !! Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun And she cut it with flair! 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. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. 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. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: Thank God she had someone. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. This is what I remember about Lena. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. I wish i could have known her. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. The war was shortend by what they did. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. 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]. 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 am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. John Basilone's Grave. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Thanks for the kind words. May they rest in peace. 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. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. 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. [11] Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. care.If that helps you. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. Thank you for your insights. 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. Regards, I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Lena never remarried. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. [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]. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Your email address will not be published. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. He was 78. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? 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. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Lena was definitely one of a kind. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Pacific Wrecks - The Pacific Episode 8 - Historical Commentary on The [2] He was the sixth of ten children. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. What an amazing lady. When the heavy .30 . Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. 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. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 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. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Thank you? I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. This is probably why it occurred. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Although she was just. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. 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. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. 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. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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. Was never properly entered into her service records. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger 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. 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. [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. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Barbara Garner. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. United States Government. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. 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. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu.
Agua Prieta Cartel, Scientists Who Never Married, Maintenance Of A Texas School Districts Psychological Reports, Articles J