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 ? A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. or what its supposed to be. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. 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. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. America was so much better i am sure. 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. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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 [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. [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]. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. 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. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. If so where can I find it. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom 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. Uncompromising with her conversations. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. I hope we can share information! It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of . My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Japan two hours of early warning of raids. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 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 did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Thanks for the kind words. Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. 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. 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. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. 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. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. He became a doctor and served his community well. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena My hero as well as her husband. 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. They were both rare kind of Marines. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . 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. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. 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. The Life and Death of . Another USS John Basilone is 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. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. 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 always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. P.S. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . 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. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. 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. 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. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima Please call me and send your number. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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 loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . 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. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. 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. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. Thank God she had someone. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. 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. RegardsDoc P.S. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. May they rest in peace. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. 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. 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 | Historica Wiki | Fandom Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. Only 34 Japanese survived it. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline I love my Vietnam compadres and family. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. [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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Hi Mike or Major Pain. 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. 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. Brother & Sister. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. I was never one to really say anything religious. Sad they didnt have children. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. Regardless of whether Basilone's ability was real or imagined, what matters is that he believed it, making his request for orders to the fleet and his actions on Iwo Jima all the more astounding. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. 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. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. John stood up to run. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. 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. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. 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. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. 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. John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. 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. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. 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. 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. 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. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. 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. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Hello All: Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. 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! The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. I pray for all of them. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. 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. 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. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Thank You David. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree The war was shortend by what they did. 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. 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 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 have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. This is what I remember about Lena. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. . Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. I have studied the war in the Pacific. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. 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 . He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. 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 . "Sgt. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. They both are heros of mine. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. 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. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. . Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. I am eternal grateful for that help. I wish i could have known her. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. By Jeff McDonald. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret).