john basilone wife death

[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]. 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. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. . John Basilone's Grave. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Doc..thanks for the reply. 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. Dear Barbara Garner, If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. Only 34 Japanese survived it. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. 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. 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. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. 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). By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. She had much empathy for every veteran. He spoke very little about it. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. I had it easy in comparison. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 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. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . : My dad was the same way even though. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. 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. The Life and Death of . John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy God bless Sgt. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. John Basilone, a recipient of the . I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. The Greatest Generation. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. 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. 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! My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. [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. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. 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. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. Thats typical. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. The story is woven with surprising personal details. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. They . 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. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. 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. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Amen. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Ive watched the HBO series several times. I wish i could have known her. 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. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. He was 78. Death At Iwo Jima (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. 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. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I am proud to call John and Lena. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. Thanks, Dave. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. I have studied the war in the Pacific. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. 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. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. 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. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. What an amazing lady. Gracias, amiga! Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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 . As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. Regards, John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. By Jeff McDonald. I think it is what spooked him from combat. 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 was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . I hope we can share information! That she and Gunnery Sgt. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. 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). At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Basilone, [] He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Basilone fought. 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. I think she was the most selfless person. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Thank you? I had to settle for the Army. When the heavy .30 . The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Your email address will not be published. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. Lena never remarried. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. John Basilone MoH. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, 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. 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. The war was shortend by what they did. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Her spirit still lives on.. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Semper Fi. care.If that helps you. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. I deserved it. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. 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. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. There are few like them. My father was a medic,like me. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. John Basilone. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. My husband was stationed in California in the 80s; I even stayed with one of his relatives in Riverside while he checked in at MCRD San Diego. 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. 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. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. 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. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. 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. 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 Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. 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. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. (Thats my VietNam). 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. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him.

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