Fedex Forum Parking Garage, Articles J

Sgt. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. "It brings back so many memories.". I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. "They weren't even men anymore. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. 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. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. 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. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . 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. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. 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. 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 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. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . 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. 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. The tickets are free but . 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. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. I read the book Im staying with my boys. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. 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". Its why I have the attitudes I do. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? 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. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . Hi Robin: I second what you said. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. Thanks Robin. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I claim nothing in this video. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. 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. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? I know one person who could answer this question better than me. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! John Basilone, a recipient of the . Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. May they rest in peace. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. I served in 5 combat deployments. Thank you? 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 know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? It's simply . They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. I had it easy in comparison. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! Hello All: Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. Stella. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. I think this battlespooked him. Its not a contest to receive one. His love for her was her memorial. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. I think she was the most selfless person. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . John Basilone's Grave. Regards, 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. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. 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. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the 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. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. care.If that helps you. The story is woven with surprising personal details. Amen. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. She belongs at Arlington. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Eternal be his memory . Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. 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 Death of "Manila John" Basilone. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. 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. I am eternal grateful for that help. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Hi Barbara! Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. End note 456 reads: My mother was a lot like Lena. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. 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. And she cut it with flair! I wish i was around then. 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 finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Thank God she had someone. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Lena never remarried. Thanks for the kind words. You truley were a good friend to her. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). She deserves it all! Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Please call me and send your number. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. Thanks, Dave. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. 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. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. I know she would enrich my life. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. 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. She was a patriotic American to the core!! and for the families they left behind.. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. I was never one to really say anything religious. 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. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. I do miss her to this day. 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. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. Although she was just. 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. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. . He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. . Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. 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. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." This is probably why it occurred. John Basilone. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. 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. Ive watched the HBO series several times. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. Although she was just. 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. Was never properly entered into her service records. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Wife of John Basilone. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) I warmly greet. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . I pray for all of them. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Required fields are marked *. [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. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Virginia Grey is now deceased. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. Quite a story. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. 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. Thank you for your insights. After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor.