He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status - San Diego Union-Tribune 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!) It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps So Ive been doing some research of my own. 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. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . RegardsDoc P.S. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. 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. Charles "Check" Tatum. May 10, 2013!! I am eternal grateful for that help. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . 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.. 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. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Thank you!!! Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. 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. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. 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. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Please call me and send your number. Its why I have the attitudes I do. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. 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. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Her spirit still lives on.. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. Although she was just. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. She is my hero. They were both rare kind of Marines. [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. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. 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. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. [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. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Death At Iwo Jima He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. United States Government. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. How the Marines' hero of Guadalcanal died at Iwo Jima The price of freedom is not cheap. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened 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. I believe they had no further contact with her. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. Doc 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. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I served in 5 combat deployments. John Basilone | Historica Wiki | Fandom Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. 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. The . 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's simply . During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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 The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. 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. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Thanks for posting her story. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. They . Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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. 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. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. I have been trying to find you. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. Thanks, Dave. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. 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]. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. That was their mistake. I was never one to really say anything religious. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. The story is woven with surprising personal details. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. She always did things that were bigger than herself. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. 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 The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: 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. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. 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. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. 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. Basilone, [] I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. [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 - National Medal of Honor Museum As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 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. 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. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. This is an extraordinary piece of History. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube 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. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. 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. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. I wish i could have known her. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. God bless! I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. 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. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. 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. Its not a contest to receive one. I think this battlespooked him. What a debt we owe to that generation. Uncompromising with her conversations. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. 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. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. I do miss her to this day. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone | The semi-normal, day - a female Marine Your email address will not be published. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. 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. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. He was an Army NCO in his mind. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. 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.