Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. : My dad was the same way even though. [11] Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. This is probably why it occurred. 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. 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. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour 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 . Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. We talked about her experiences. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. 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. 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. Hello All: I was so happy for them both when they got married. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. 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. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. 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. [5] In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th Infantry at Fort Jay, New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry.[6][7]. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. It was great. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). That she and Gunnery Sgt. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Thats typical. Basilone fought. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. The price of freedom is not cheap. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. 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! John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." She had her memories of John Basilone. 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. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. 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. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. 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! Lena never remarried. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? 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. You truley were a good friend to her. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. I wish i could have known her. 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. If so where can I find it. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. 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. According to the funeral . This is what I remember about Lena. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. 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. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. She had much empathy for every veteran. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. The . Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. 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. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. 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. I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. 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. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. The war was shortend by what they did. Her parents were Italian immigrants. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Barbara Garner. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. John Basilone whom she was aware of. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. I wish i was around then. I think this battlespooked him. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. 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!) We did our jobs and what were asked to do. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. 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 met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. It's simply . I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. I served in 5 combat deployments. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. Stella. When the heavy .30 . But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . We need everyone on the line. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Your email address will not be published. The Greatest Generation. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I am proud to call John and Lena. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. 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]. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. (Thats my VietNam). However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Naval Service.[11]. Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 - July 31, 2004) was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films and a number of radio and television shows from the 1930s to the early 1980s. They both are heros of mine. 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. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I believe they had no further contact with her. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. United States Government. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. . 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). This is an extraordinary piece of History. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. His love for her was her memorial. Although she was just. 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. 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! Thank God she had someone. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. They had been married for 7.3 months. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. John stood up to run. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I just saw this site today for the first time. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. 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. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Although she was just. Megan. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. Wow! I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. He was sent home to sell. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. What a debt we owe to that generation. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. May they rest in peace. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. God bless Sgt. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. i am a proud American. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. 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 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 have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. [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. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . He was an Army NCO in his mind. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. I had it easy in comparison. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". 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. Only 34 Japanese survived it.