She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I just saw this site today for the first time. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. 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 . Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. What a debt we owe to that generation. 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. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. 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. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. 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. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. My father was a medic,like me. 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. May they rest in peace. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone | The semi-normal, day - a female Marine Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. 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. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II 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. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. According to the funeral . I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. 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. The Greatest Generation. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. We talked about her experiences. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? 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. I warmly greet. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. I wish i could have known her. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. 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. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. 1939. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. How John Basilone died in The Pacific. He didn't actually - AVForums [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]. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. Donald F. Basilone (1929-2022) - monumento Find a Grave I think she was the most selfless person. He was sent home to sell. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex Lena never remarried. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. Thanks for posting her story. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. 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. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. "They weren't even men anymore. 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 was never one to really say anything religious. Thank you!!! As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. 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. John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum [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. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Leatherneck November 1988. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. But he was very persistent !! The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. She was a patriotic American to the core!! to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: She is my hero. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Hello All: The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA 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. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. I will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. I was so happy for them both when they got married. John Basilone, a recipient of the . 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. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. 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!!! After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. 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. "Sgt. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. 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. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone 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 The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. January. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. [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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. 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!) He became a doctor and served his community well. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. [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. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. 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. They had been married for 7.3 months. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. . Its why I have the attitudes I do. They were good examples which I followed. 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. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . 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. 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. I am eternal grateful for that help. Another USS John Basilone is 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! Legacy. 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. 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline Virginia Grey - nndb.com I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. 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. Thank you? You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Thanks, Dave. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. 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. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. 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 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! I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. 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. I wish i was around then. Basilone, [] The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. 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. 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 . John stood up to run. 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. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. So Ive been doing some research of my own. The Life and Death of . A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . Brother & Sister. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. 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. 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. By Jeff McDonald. This is what I remember about Lena. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. . Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. . Required fields are marked *. 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". 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. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. They . Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. 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. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. Her parents were Italian immigrants. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire.
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