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! BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. Janet Bowman Johnson is looking for anyone stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1965-66, and/or who attended Boot Camp February, March of 1965 at CamPen sge originally worked at Battalion Hqtrs, then at the Training Aids Library Read about Elize McKelvey and her unique job. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. 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! I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. What a debt we owe to that generation. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Basilone, [] 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.. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. He became a doctor and served his community well. John Basilone - Home of Heroes John Basilone - National Medal of Honor Museum How John Basilone died in The Pacific. He didn't actually - AVForums During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. When the heavy .30 . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Hi Mike or Major Pain. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. 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. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. 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. 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. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." I am proud to call John and Lena. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. They were dumb animals who wanted . They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. I was so happy for them both when they got married. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . The Greatest Generation. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. 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. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. 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. 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!) Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. [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]. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post Thanks for the kind words. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. She loved him very much. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. 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. 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. He was an Army NCO in his mind. 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. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. 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. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. 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. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. 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". They were both rare kind of Marines. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? 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. 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. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. 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 You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Virginia Grey Hollywood Starlet & Pin Up - WW2 DOG TAGS The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack 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. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Thank You Robin. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. 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. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. 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. . Gracias, amiga! Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. I believe they had no further contact with her. The war was shortend by what they did. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Marine Corp veteran Korea Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan, NJ Courier News Sep. 7, 2022 Obituary of Donald Basilone Donald Basilone, 92, of Newport Richie, died August 13, 2022. Medal of Honor citation. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. "Sgt. Virginia Grey is now deceased. 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. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. 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. We talked about her experiences. Lena never remarried. I read the book Im staying with my boys. I wish i could have known her. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Its why I have the attitudes I do. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire 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. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. 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. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Your right Marie. His love for her was her memorial. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. 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. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. 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. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. 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. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. 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 . It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. By Jeff McDonald. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. I think it is what spooked him from combat. For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. 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. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. Thank You David. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Naval Service.[11]. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I do miss her to this day. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy - geni family tree As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. (Thats my VietNam). Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. 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. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Was never properly entered into her service records. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day February 19, 1945: Uncommon Valor, John Basilone Dies at Iwo Jima Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Wow! GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 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. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. What an amazing lady. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger 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. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. 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. Lena was a very strong woman. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Lena never remarried. "The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I know she would enrich my life. [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. Its not a contest to receive one. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum.
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