john basilone wife death john basilone wife death

I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. or what its supposed to be. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. 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. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. 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. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. I believe they had no further contact with her. 75 years after, my heart had broke. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. He was one of a family of ten children. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal. Thank You Robin. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. Charles "Check" Tatum. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Doc 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. I just saw this site today for the first time. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. Your email address will not be published. Death At Iwo Jima Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. 1939. Hi Mike or Major Pain. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. The story is woven with surprising personal details. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. 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. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. End note 456 reads: I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. 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. The Greatest Generation. . sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! Japan two hours of early warning of raids. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. The tickets are free but . The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. 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. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. [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. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Only 34 Japanese survived it. 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. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. 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. 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! Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. I am proud to call John and Lena. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. They were dumb animals who wanted . On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Gracias, amiga! Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . 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. 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 However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Ive watched the HBO series several times. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. 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. We need everyone on the line. John Basilone whom she was aware of. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. He spoke very little about it. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. They had been married for 7.3 months. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. 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. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. 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. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 - July 31, 2004) was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films and a number of radio and television shows from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Its not a contest to receive one. 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. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. America was so much better i am sure. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. 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. 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. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. 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. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . Thank You very much for being Lenas family. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. . Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. . Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. and for the families they left behind.. 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. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. I was so happy for them both when they got married. 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. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. So Ive been doing some research of my own. (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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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 My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. 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 found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. His love for her was her memorial. Amen. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. 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. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Thanks, Dave. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. I pray for all of them. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. I wish i could have known her. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . "Sgt. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Thank you? Although she was just. 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. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . 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. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. 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. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. (Thats my VietNam). I deserved it. 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. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . This is what I remember about Lena. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. I think my Fathers generation were legends. 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. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Lena never remarried. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. 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. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. 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. 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. Stella. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. She always did things that were bigger than herself. 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. 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 .