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. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! 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. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. 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. 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. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. 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. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. 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 The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. Sgt. A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. 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. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. Regards, He spoke very little about it. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. The story is woven with surprising personal details. 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. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? I just saw this site today for the first time. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. My mother was a lot like Lena. Lena was definitely one of a kind. 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. 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. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. That she and Gunnery Sgt. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. 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. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. They had been married for 7.3 months. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. 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 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. 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. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. 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. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. I had to settle for the Army. 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. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. 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. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. 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. [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. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. 75 years after, my heart had broke. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 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, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. 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. Stella. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. 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. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. I wish i could have known her. This is what I remember about Lena. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. 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 have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 1939. Her parents were Italian immigrants. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. 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. Hello All: His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. 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 ? I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. and for the families they left behind.. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. 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. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. Uncompromising with her conversations. 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!) She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. She deserves it all! I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. 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. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. 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. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. And she cut it with flair! Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. She was a patriotic American to the core!! 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. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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? Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. 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. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. 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 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia 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. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. Hi Barbara! I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. He was 78. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. . I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. 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. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Ca.. The Life and Death of . I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. The Greatest Generation. She belongs at Arlington. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. I hope we can share information! I claim nothing in this video. So Ive been doing some research of my own. I have been trying to find you. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Your email address will not be published. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Amen. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They . Thanks, Dave. 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. Semper Fi. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. Naval Service.[11]. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. 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. Doc..thanks for the reply. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Although she was just. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. care.If that helps you. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. 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. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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.. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. : My dad was the same way even though. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I think it is what spooked him from combat. We spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. 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. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well!
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