Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Lena was definitely one of a kind. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. She loved him very much. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. 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. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Medal of Honor citation. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Your right Marie. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I have studied the war in the Pacific. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. She always did things that were bigger than herself. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. 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. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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 ? Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Was never properly entered into her service records. Japan lost a key advantage of giving And she cut it with flair! 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 belongs at Arlington. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. 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. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. I am so proud to be from a military family. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. 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. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. I have been trying to find you. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. 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. 1939. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia Lena lives within a lot of us,sons of Pacific veterans and contemporary Marines and soldiers.Regards,SSG Rick ,Doc Borenstein, Hello Mrs. Barbara Garner, are an Italian lady and my name is Stella. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. (source). December 26, 2022 by Robin. John Basilone's Grave. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. I deserved it. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. 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 was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. 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. Although she was just. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . John Basilone MoH. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom The Democrat did not seek re-election for . The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 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. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 Lena never remarried. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. What an amazing lady. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. They were both rare kind of Marines. John Basilone - Wikipedia Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Leatherneck November 1988. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. When the heavy .30 . Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". : My dad was the same way even though. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. 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. care.If that helps you. David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. I served in 5 combat deployments. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. 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. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. 75 years after, my heart had broke. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. He was an Army NCO in his mind. He was sent home to sell. 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. John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com Are their any other books about him? She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. Naval Service.[11]. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. 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. 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. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. America was so much better i am sure. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 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. 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. Although she was just. He was 78. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. January. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. Thank God she had someone. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. 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. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 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. My mother was a lot like Lena. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. I believe they had no further contact with her. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. 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!!! Regards, 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. Hi Barbara! With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone 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. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . 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. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. (Thats my VietNam). But he was very persistent !! John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Doc..thanks for the reply. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. They had been married for 7.3 months. "Sgt. Hi Robin: I second what you said. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. I wish i could have known her. May they rest in peace. 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. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. I think this battlespooked him. 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. 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. I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone 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. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. 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. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom I had it easy in comparison. May 10, 2013!! I read the book Im staying with my boys. 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 was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. 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 "They weren't even men anymore. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. If so where can I find it. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, 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 . After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. 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. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . (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. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. 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. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Uncompromising with her conversations. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine 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). 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". Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. The Life and Death of . If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. 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. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. By Jeff McDonald. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? 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. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. John Basilone, a recipient of the . 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.
Lake Park High School Honor Roll, Nrl Rugby League Field Positions Kick Off, Articles J