Please let me know. My father was a medic,like me. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . 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. 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. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. By Jeff McDonald. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. She must have been a great marine. John Basilone, a recipient of the . I believe they had no further contact with her. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Basilone fought. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. 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. 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. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. We talked about her experiences. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Only 34 Japanese survived it. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. John was killed on Iwo Jima February 19, 1945 just seven months after marrying the love of his life and seven months before the allies would declare victory in the Pacific. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. 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. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. I just saw this site today for the first time. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. If so where can I find it. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes 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. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. 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. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . You truley were a good friend to her. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. God bless! Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. I think this battlespooked him. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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. 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. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. [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. He was one of a family of ten children. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. 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 also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Uncompromising with her conversations. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. [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. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! "They weren't even men anymore. Thanks for the kind words. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. John Basilone. 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 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. Brother & Sister. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. 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 ? The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Death At Iwo Jima She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . I had it easy in comparison. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. The . Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. This is an extraordinary piece of History. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. Quite a story. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. or what its supposed to be. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. : My dad was the same way even though. 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. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. Her parents were Italian immigrants. 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. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. I hope we can share information! From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. My hero as well as her husband. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. Are their any other books about him? He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! . Eternal be his memory . If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. It has a cost, a soldiers life. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . Ca.. care.If that helps you. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. She was a patriotic American to the core!! SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. The date was February 19, 1945. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. 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. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo 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. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! But he was very persistent !! These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. I have been trying to find you. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. Basilone, [] Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. 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. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Gracias, amiga! During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force.