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. 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. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. 1939. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! That was their mistake. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. If so where can I find it. 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. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. May 10, 2013!! She deserves it all! Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. God bless Sgt. 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. 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 Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. My hero as well as her husband. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. 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. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. 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. "They weren't even men anymore. 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. She must have been a great marine. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Lena never remarried. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. They . May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. 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? Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. 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 love my Vietnam compadres and family. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . [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. 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. 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. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. I am eternal grateful for that help. Sad they didnt have children. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Her spirit still lives on.. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Ca.. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. [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. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Legacy. I am so proud to be from a military family. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. According to the funeral . Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. 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 . Lena never forgot us and took care of us. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo John Basilone. 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 When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. January. 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. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. 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. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. 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! In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Although she was just. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. 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. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . 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. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. 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. 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. 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. What a debt we owe to that generation. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. 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). They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. When the heavy .30 . I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. 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. 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. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. 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. 75 years after, my heart had broke. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. The Life and Death of . United States Government. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). 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. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. He was sent home to sell. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery.
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