I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. There are few like them. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. I believe they had no further contact with her. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! John Basilone Quotes. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. 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. 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. She had much empathy for every veteran. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree I warmly greet. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. 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. Required fields are marked *. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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). Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. 1939. Gracias, amiga! As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. My hero as well as her husband. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube 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. If so where can I find it. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Your right Marie. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Death At Iwo Jima Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. Lena was definitely one of a kind. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. 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 . I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. Dear Barbara Garner, WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. Leatherneck November 1988. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . . I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. 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. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. He was one of a family of ten children. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Hello All: She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? I am proud to call John and Lena. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. 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. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. 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. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! 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 tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. The date was February 19, 1945. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. 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. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. My mother was a lot like Lena. I know she would enrich my life. She had her memories of John Basilone. 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. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. 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. 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 suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. 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 John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. 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. 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. I hope we can share information! I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. I pray for all of them. God bless Sgt. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. This is probably why it occurred. . The story is woven with surprising personal details. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. I was never one to really say anything religious. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. John Basilone. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Sergeant John Basilone - MarineParents.com 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. . They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima 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. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. 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? 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. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute [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. 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 Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. She was a patriotic American to the core!! "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Thats typical. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. : My dad was the same way even though. I think this battlespooked him. 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". Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Medal of Honor citation. 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. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. By Jeff McDonald. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. 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. 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. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . I am at least a 3rd generation medic. 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. 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. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. 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. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. . On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. John Basilone - Home of Heroes The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. Thanks, Dave. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. . May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 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. Lena was a very strong woman.

Pansariling Opinyon Tungkol Sa Fgm, Gerber Terracraft Sheath, 10 Bus Manchester To Brookhouse, Marie Callender's Pie Crust Nutrition Facts, Articles J