She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Thank you for your insights. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. . It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. 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. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I had it easy in comparison. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. Doc..thanks for the reply. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. What a debt we owe to that generation. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. 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. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo John Basilone MoH. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. 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. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. If so where can I find it. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! 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. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. I hope we can share information! : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! 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 Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Leatherneck November 1988. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. They were good examples which I followed. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. 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. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. [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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Thank you? Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. 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. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Although she was just. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. 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. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. I wish i was around then. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. John Basilone's Grave. 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. Sad they didnt have children. 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 found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. 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. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Doc We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? 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. 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. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. 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 wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? 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. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. 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. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. 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 did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. 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. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). Are their any other books about him? I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. 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. 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. According to the funeral . They were both rare kind of Marines. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. 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. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? 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. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . It's simply . The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. 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. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. 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. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. America was so much better i am sure. 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. 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. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. I pray for all of them. BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. 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. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Virginia Grey is now deceased. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. . Thanks, Dave. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. I just saw this site today for the first time. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. 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. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. 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. Megan. 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. I served in 5 combat deployments. I am so proud to be from a military family. . John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy . 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. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. May 10, 2013!! 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. 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. : My dad was the same way even though. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. John met Lena at Pendleton,it took a while because Lena was her own woman and a noncomissioned officer whe eventually attained the rank of Master Sergeant, She did not rush to John immediately as you saw in the Pacific but once she did they were head over heels for each other.John was a no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant and was very good with a machine gun and thats what got him the Congressional Medal of Honor(equivalent to a Victoria Cross). I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. 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. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. 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. My mother was a lot like Lena. 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. 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. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. P.S. John Basilone. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Thanks Robin. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. 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. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. Thank you!!!