I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. And she cut it with flair! Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. 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. "They weren't even men anymore. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. I warmly greet. . I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Legacy. He spoke very little about it. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Lena was definitely one of a kind. 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. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. 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 . John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. 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. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Virginia Grey is now deceased. United States Government. . This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. The . Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. . 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. David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. They were good examples which I followed. The tickets are free but . Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. Although she was just. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Basilone fought. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. 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. 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. 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. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. America was so much better i am sure. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. Another USS John Basilone is But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. I wish i could have known her. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. 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. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. Lena was a very strong woman. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. 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. 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. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . Thanks for the kind words. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. 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. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes She always did things that were bigger than herself. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. Doc Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Uncompromising with her conversations. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. It's simply . With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. 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. Naval Service.[11]. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. What an amazing lady. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. It was great. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. 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!) What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. 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. They . . 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. [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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. You truley were a good friend to her. She had her memories of John Basilone. 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. By Jeff McDonald. 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 parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. Thank God she had someone. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. 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. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I do miss her to this day. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. 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. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. 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. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. Hi Mike or Major Pain. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! [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. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. . You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Thank you for your insights. 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 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. 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! With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. Your email address will not be published. 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! Lena never remarried. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. Megan. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. 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. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Are their any other books about him? His love for her was her memorial. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. I was never one to really say anything religious. They had been married for 7.3 months. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. 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. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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! 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. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. Thank You David. This is what I remember about Lena. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. 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. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. 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 So Ive been doing some research of my own. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. 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. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". 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. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Hi Robin: I second what you said. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo 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. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. i am a proud American. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. 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. 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. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. Was never properly entered into her service records. They were dumb animals who wanted . she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! 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. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. 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 ! My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. 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. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . 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. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. I hope we can share information! 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.
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