How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. 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. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . . Sgt. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger [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. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. The price of freedom is not cheap. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. 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. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom 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 do miss her to this day. Leatherneck November 1988. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. I deserved it. Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb 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. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Thanks, Dave. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. It was great. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII I love my Vietnam compadres and family. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. She always did things that were bigger than herself. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. . For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! Marine's heroism gave him legendary status - San Diego Union-Tribune 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. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! John stood up to run. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. She loved him very much. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. He was sent home to sell. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. 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 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. We talked about her experiences. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: While he is training a company of recruits in the fine art of killing Japanese, Basilone meets Lena Riggi, a female Marine just turned 30 and cynical as hell about the advances of yet another lonely guy in uniform, especially a celebrity who can get the best tables at the nicest restaurants. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! They . War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. He was an Army NCO in his mind. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. Oh, my, it must have been terrible 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. 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 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. 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. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. Only 34 Japanese survived it. [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. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. God bless! Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. He became a doctor and served his community well. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. America was so much better i am sure. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. I am eternal grateful for that help. 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. Another USS John Basilone is In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I think it is what spooked him from combat. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I think this battlespooked him. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. 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. 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. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. 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. 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. The war was shortend by what they did. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post They were dumb animals who wanted . 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. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. care.If that helps you. The Greatest Generation. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. Your email address will not be published. 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. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Quite a story. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. Although she was just. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Lena was a very strong woman. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be.
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