Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. My father was a medic,like me. 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. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. May they rest in peace. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Only 34 Japanese survived it. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. They both are heros of mine. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . "Sgt. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. 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. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Eternal be his memory . Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. But he was very persistent !! Doc..thanks for the reply. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. 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. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. 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. On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? 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. "They weren't even men anymore. I was never one to really say anything religious. I had it easy in comparison. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Quite a story. (Thats my VietNam). Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. John Basilone MoH. Required fields are marked *. Lena never remarried. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into The Life and Death of . I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks for posting her story. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia . The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. Semper Fi. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. 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. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. Virginia Grey - nndb.com I think my Fathers generation were legends. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. I was so happy for them both when they got married. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. 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 am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. Hello All: Megan. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. I served in 5 combat deployments. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. 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. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. Another USS John Basilone is This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. I read the book Im staying with my boys. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. 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! "It brings back so many memories.". Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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! Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. 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. January. 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. 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 . My hero as well as her husband. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . 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. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. And she cut it with flair! She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. : My dad was the same way even though. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. 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. He was an Army NCO in his mind. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. 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. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. According to the funeral . His love for her was her memorial. I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Sad they didnt have children. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! Regards, After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. John Basilone - Home of Heroes 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. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. #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 . Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone 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 have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. Dear Barbara Garner, 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. 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. 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. Its not a contest to receive one. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo John stood up to run. 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. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. We need everyone on the line. "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises.