This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Was never properly entered into her service records. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. That she and Gunnery Sgt. Although she was just. 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. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. 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. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. P.S. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. Lena lives within a lot of us,sons of Pacific veterans and contemporary Marines and soldiers.Regards,SSG Rick ,Doc Borenstein, Hello Mrs. Barbara Garner, are an Italian lady and my name is Stella. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. 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 wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. But he was very persistent !! He spoke very little about it. 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 Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . Wife of John Basilone. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. 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. Are their any other books about him? Death At Iwo Jima I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Japan lost a key advantage of giving John Basilone Quotes. Its why I have the attitudes I do. 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.. According to the funeral . Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. Brother & Sister. 1939. On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Although she was just. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. 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]. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. I had to settle for the Army. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. Thanks for posting her story. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. . Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. 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. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? That was their mistake. [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. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. Hello All: Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. Wow! Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! God bless! I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. 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. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. Hi Barbara! Japan two hours of early warning of raids. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. What an amazing lady. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. 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. John was killed on Iwo Jima February 19, 1945 just seven months after marrying the love of his life and seven months before the allies would declare victory in the Pacific. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. 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. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. RegardsDoc P.S. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? I think she was the most selfless person. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. and for the families they left behind.. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. What a debt we owe to that generation. I think this battlespooked him. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena 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. By Jeff McDonald. They were both technically saavy at their jobs and legendary leaders as NCOs.They are heros to me, as the members of my family who answered the call and still do to this day, my family in Israel. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. 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. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 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. Your email address will not be published. Ca.. He became a doctor and served his community well. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. 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. 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. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. 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. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. 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. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. Gracias, amiga! I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. 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. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. 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. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. . She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. On the night of Oct. 24, 1942, on the island of Guadalcanal, a Japanese regiment of 3,000 troops attacked a handful of Marines, including Sergeant Basilone. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . 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. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 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. 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. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. 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. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. 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. 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. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. 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 will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. 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. 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. John Basilone. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. 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. 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. 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. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Her spirit still lives on.. Thank God she had someone. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . : My dad was the same way even though. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. 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. Thanks, Dave. (source). I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. When the heavy .30 . She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Thats typical. Thanks Robin. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. 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 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). My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. 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. Eternal be his memory . I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Naval Service.[11]. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. There are few like them. We talked about her experiences. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. 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. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation. It was great. 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 hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. Hi Mike or Major Pain. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Life and Death of . Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. Ive watched the HBO series several times. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! Thank You very much for being Lenas family. I have studied the war in the Pacific. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). 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. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Leatherneck November 1988. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. 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.

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