I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. 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. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. 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. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. 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. 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 had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Although she was just. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. 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. 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. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. 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. Sgt. 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. Japan lost a key advantage of giving The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. (source). Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. 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. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. God bless Sgt. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. Naval Service.[11]. 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 hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. Thanks for the kind words. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . Japan two hours of early warning of raids. 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. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Thank you? He was sent home to sell. He was an Army NCO in his mind. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. 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. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. We need everyone on the line. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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 it is what spooked him from combat. 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. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. (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. Your email address will not be published. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. 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. Barbara Garner. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Your right Marie. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. 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. He was one of a family of ten children. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. 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. 75 years after, my heart had broke. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. She must have been a great marine. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Its not a contest to receive one. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. . I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. 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. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. Thanks Robin. 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