His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Wife of John Basilone. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. 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 . She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. 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. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! 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. I hope we can share information! Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree 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. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. 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 appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) 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. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Lena never remarried. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. 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. 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. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. Semper Fi. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. 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. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. 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 think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. She had much empathy for every veteran. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Pacific Wrecks - The Pacific Episode 8 - Historical Commentary on The 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 deserves it all! Thank you? Charles "Check" Tatum. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. [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. We spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Are their any other books about him? I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. I had it easy in comparison. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. 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. John Basilone - Wikipedia They had been married for 7.3 months. Ca.. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. 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 Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Stella. 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. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! I am eternal grateful for that help. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. What an amazing lady. When the heavy .30 . I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. Sad they didnt have children. Its why I have the attitudes I do. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. . I served in 5 combat deployments. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Lena was a very strong woman. John Basilone Quotes. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. 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. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. They were dumb animals who wanted . I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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". Marine Corp veteran Korea Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan, NJ Courier News Sep. 7, 2022 Obituary of Donald Basilone Donald Basilone, 92, of Newport Richie, died August 13, 2022. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Amen. Her parents were Italian immigrants. That was their mistake. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom America was so much better i am sure. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. and for the families they left behind.. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. 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 I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Lena never remarried. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. 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! Thanks, Dave. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack We talked about her experiences. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. . She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Basilone, [] Please let me know. [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. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. 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. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. It was great. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Virginia Grey - nndb.com [2] He was the sixth of ten children. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Please call me and send your number. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. [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]. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. She loved him very much. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. 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. The tickets are free but . Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. They were both rare kind of Marines. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 So Ive been doing some research of my own. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. Eternal be his memory . To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. Japan lost a key advantage of giving I think it is what spooked him from combat. God bless! The Life and Death of . He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. 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 She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did.
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