I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. [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. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. She belongs at Arlington. Thanks, Dave. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Virginia Grey Entertainment - Actress Why Famous: Hullabaloo, film Age: 87 (3/22/1917 - 7/31/2004) Virginia Grey's Relationships (3) John Basilone Other - Other Why Famous: Recipient of Medal of Honor for Battle of Guadalcanal Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . They both are heros of mine. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. 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. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. 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. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. Lena was definitely one of a kind. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. 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. 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. . We talked about her experiences. What an amazing lady. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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. 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? 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On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Leatherneck November 1988. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. According to the funeral . She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. 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 cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. 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. I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. 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 generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. 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. John Basilone's Grave. Lena never remarried. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. 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. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Your right Marie. Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. 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. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Naval Service.[11]. 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. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. 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. I wish i could have known her. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. Uncompromising with her conversations. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. : My dad was the same way even though. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. End note 456 reads: Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. God bless Sgt. Thank you for your insights. 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. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. Lena never remarried. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. The legs were long, so they were rolled up.the waist was generally too big, so the y cinched up a belt around their waist. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. I know she would enrich my life. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. Your email address will not be published. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. Its not a contest to receive one. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Japan lost a key advantage of giving She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. 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. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. 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 . I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. I think it is what spooked him from combat. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. 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 Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. She had her memories of John Basilone. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. I hope we can share information! Johnny was definitely the love of her life! I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! He was an Army NCO in his mind. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. . My dad was a medic on Peleliu. I have been trying to find you. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I have studied the war in the Pacific. 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. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. 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. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Doc..thanks for the reply. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . They . Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. 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 ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. 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. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. I served in 5 combat deployments. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. 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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I am proud to call John and Lena. care.If that helps you. 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. January. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American 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. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. 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. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. She deserves it all! He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! 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. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family.