: http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. 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. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. [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. 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. . He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Your email address will not be published. Hi Robin: I second what you said. 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. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. I believe they had no further contact with her. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. Only 34 Japanese survived it. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. 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 was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Thank you!!! Hi Barbara! 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 caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. [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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. Although she was just. United States Government. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Charles "Check" Tatum. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. 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 salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! 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. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. 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. I read the book Im staying with my boys. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. 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.. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. I had to settle for the Army. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Thanks for the kind words. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. That was their mistake. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. Uncompromising with her conversations. I did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. John Basilone's Grave. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. 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. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Megan. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. 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. 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 had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. 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. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? John Basilone Quotes. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. She had her memories of John Basilone. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. She is my hero. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. 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. What would make someone cut the connection so completely, yet state that she had the best?, Miss she had the man he was worth more than any material thing she had and her memory of him was enough for her. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. The Life and Death of . 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. . My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. John Basilone MoH. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. 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. 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. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. They were both technically saavy at their jobs and legendary leaders as NCOs.They are heros to me, as the members of my family who answered the call and still do to this day, my family in Israel. 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. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. 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. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. It has a cost, a soldiers life. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . 75 years after, my heart had broke. 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. If so where can I find it. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. I warmly greet. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. My hero as well as her husband. (Thats my VietNam). While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. or what its supposed to be. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. My father was a medic,like me. I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. Please let me know. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Ive watched the HBO series several times. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. 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. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. 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? Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. 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. Eternal be his memory . However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. 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. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. His love for her was her memorial. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. 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. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . . At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. 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. . She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. 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! Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Its a warm joy to read the postings here. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. i am a proud American. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. 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. I have studied the war in the Pacific. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. 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 . BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. I served in 5 combat deployments. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . 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! Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. . They were good examples which I followed. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. I was so happy for them both when they got married. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either.
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