I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. I have studied the war in the Pacific. "It brings back so many memories.". He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. . 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. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. John Basilone whom she was aware of. 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. I have been trying to find you. Legacy. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Lena was a very strong woman. John Basilone MoH. 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. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. 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. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. 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. I deserved it. Quite a story. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. 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 want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. He spoke very little about it. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. John Basilone, a recipient of the . In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. . The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. 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. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. 1939. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. Are their any other books about him? Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? 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. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Although she was just. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. 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. What a debt we owe to that generation. I know she would enrich my life. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association 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. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. I was so happy for them both when they got married. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Hi Robin: I second what you said. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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! I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. I wish i was around then. "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb 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. If so where can I find it. Thank you!!! 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Although she was just. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. 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. 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 . Thank You David. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. She belongs at Arlington. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. 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. Lena was definitely one of a kind. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. I hope we can share information! i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. When the heavy .30 . 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. 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 am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. John Basilone Quotes. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! He was one of a family of ten children. 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. 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 ? Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex 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. My father was a medic,like me. 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. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. It's simply . I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. 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. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I think she was the most selfless person. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. 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. She had much empathy for every veteran. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family.
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