Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Sad they didnt have children. 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. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, 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. 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. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. But he was very persistent !! I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Your right Marie. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. 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. What an amazing lady. His love for her was her memorial. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. God bless! The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Hi Barbara! 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. 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. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. 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. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. 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. She deserves it all! 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. 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. 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! Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. 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. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. What a debt we owe to that generation. I pray for all of them. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Your email address will not be published. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. 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. 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. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. 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. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia My dad was a medic on Peleliu. 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. 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. 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. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. 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. Please let me know. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. I was never one to really say anything religious. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. 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. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. 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. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. [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]. Hi Robin: I second what you said. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. 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. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. They both are heros of mine. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! May they rest in peace. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I hope we can share information! "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. . Although she was just. 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. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. . America was so much better i am sure. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. 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. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. and for the families they left behind.. 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. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Dear Barbara Garner, Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. They were dumb animals who wanted . The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. 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 I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Ca.. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. Please call me and send your number. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Quite a story. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. This is probably why it occurred. 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. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. Ive watched the HBO series several times. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! Thank You Robin. The Life and Death of . 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. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. "They weren't even men anymore. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. He was 78. He became a doctor and served his community well. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. 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! They had been married for 7.3 months. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I wish i could have known her. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Thank you for your insights. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. 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 have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Are their any other books about him? And she cut it with flair! A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Lena never remarried. Her spirit still lives on.. offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020. project zomboid ham radio frequencies; gunton hall rooms; kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 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. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. 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. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. John Basilone Quotes. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. Thanks for posting her story. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. The date was February 19, 1945. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. End note 456 reads: For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor.