I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. Basilone, [] 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 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. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Required fields are marked *. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Another USS John Basilone is He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. By Jeff McDonald. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. 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. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! 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. He was an Army NCO in his mind. Eternal be his memory . I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . John Basilone's Grave. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. The legs were long, so they were rolled up.the waist was generally too big, so the y cinched up a belt around their waist. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. 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. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. 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. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. She must have been a great marine. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. Dear Barbara Garner, After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. 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. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. 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. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . . I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? There are few like them. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Your email address will not be published. RegardsDoc P.S. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Thank you for your insights. May they rest in peace. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. 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. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! 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. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. Legacy. And she cut it with flair! A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. 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. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. Gracias, amiga! Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. 1939. I have been trying to find you. [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. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." I was never one to really say anything religious. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Doc [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Thats typical. My mother was a lot like Lena. I had it easy in comparison. . Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. 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. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. 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. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. 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. Thanks for the kind words. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. 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. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . 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. 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. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! 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. "It brings back so many memories.". 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. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. She had her memories of John Basilone. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. 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. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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. 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 ? His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. 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. They . Although she was just. Her parents were Italian immigrants. and for the families they left behind.. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. 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. It's simply . If so where can I find it. . She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. Medal of Honor citation. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Virginia Grey is now deceased. 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. The price of freedom is not cheap. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. 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. Doc..thanks for the reply. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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! During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. The tickets are free but . If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. She loved him very much. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. 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. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. Wow! 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. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. 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. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. He was 78. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. 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. "They weren't even men anymore. 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. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. John Basilone whom she was aware of. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. They were both rare kind of Marines. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. 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. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. 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 she was the most selfless person. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. 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 Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Hi Barbara! In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. 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. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Sgt. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. The date was February 19, 1945. I know she would enrich my life. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. Hi Robin: I second what you said. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Wife of John Basilone. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The Life and Death of . God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. My hero as well as her husband. 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. I believe they had no further contact with her. 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. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. I wish i could have known her. 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. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Japan lost a key advantage of giving 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. 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). I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. He became a doctor and served his community well. Although she was just. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. This is probably why it occurred. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt.