I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. So Ive been doing some research of my own. 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. 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. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade 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. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. His love for her was her memorial. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. The tickets are free but . Its not a contest to receive one. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. John met Lena at Pendleton,it took a while because Lena was her own woman and a noncomissioned officer whe eventually attained the rank of Master Sergeant, She did not rush to John immediately as you saw in the Pacific but once she did they were head over heels for each other.John was a no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant and was very good with a machine gun and thats what got him the Congressional Medal of Honor(equivalent to a Victoria Cross). Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! 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. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. Virginia Grey is now deceased. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Lena never remarried. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. 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. I was never one to really say anything religious. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . They . To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. 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. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Thanks for posting her story. 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. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com Japan two hours of early warning of raids. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com . 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. He spoke very little about it. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. He was an Army NCO in his mind. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) 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. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. 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. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Janet Bowman Johnson is looking for anyone stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1965-66, and/or who attended Boot Camp February, March of 1965 at CamPen sge originally worked at Battalion Hqtrs, then at the Training Aids Library Read about Elize McKelvey and her unique job. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Doc Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Pacific Wrecks - The Pacific Episode 8 - Historical Commentary on The I deserved it. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Naval Service.[11]. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. 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. 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. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. She had her memories of John Basilone. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Barbara Garner. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. 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. Hi Barbara! This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. 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. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Although she was just. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. i am a proud American. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo 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. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. John Basilone. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. Ive watched the HBO series several times. 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. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. He was one of a family of ten children. John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times The . Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. I warmly greet. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex 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. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. America was so much better i am sure. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! [2] He was the sixth of ten children. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. [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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. Her spirit still lives on.. Thank You Robin. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. 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. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. Brother & Sister. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. December 26, 2022 by Robin. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. 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. 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. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal 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. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline 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 a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! He became a doctor and served his community well. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. This is probably why it occurred. 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. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. I claim nothing in this video. Womens symposium focuses on family unit, Sgt Lena Basilone Part Three The semi-normal, day-to-day life of a female Marine, John Basilone: Returning to the Fight After Earning Medal of Honor, Read the Signs along the Road :: Stolinsky.com | Conservative political and social commentary, Sunday Salute: Sergeant Lena Riggi Basilone Deb Sinness, Author, Follow Women Marines Association on WordPress.com, Little Marine's Journal: Why I Joined the Marine Corps, Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 1 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 2 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 3 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 4 of 6], Marine 1st sergeant uses combat experience to save man hit by car, 3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15, Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel, As Ukraine highlights value of killer drones, Marine Corps wants more. DDG-122 USS John Basilone Arleigh Burke class destroyer Navy - Seaforces RegardsDoc P.S. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. 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. She always did things that were bigger than herself. 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 He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. 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. 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. She must have been a great marine. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. 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). My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute The date was February 19, 1945. I think it is what spooked him from combat. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 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. According to the funeral . . They were both rare kind of Marines. 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. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. John Basilone, a recipient of the . His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. (source). Please call me and send your number. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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 ? Hi Robin: I second what you said. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II . 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. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. 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 am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. I wish i could have known her. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. 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.