It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. They had been married for 7.3 months. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. I wish i was around then. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. May 10, 2013!! 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. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. But he was very persistent !! Barbara Garner. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. I had to settle for the Army. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. 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. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. She had much empathy for every veteran. 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. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. 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. 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. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Thanks for the kind words. After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Thanks for posting her story. Dear Barbara Garner, While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Sad they didnt have children. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. Basilone, [] Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. 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. 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. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Your email address will not be published. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. The date was February 19, 1945. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Regardless of whether Basilone's ability was real or imagined, what matters is that he believed it, making his request for orders to the fleet and his actions on Iwo Jima all the more astounding. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. . I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. Legacy. I wish i could have known her. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. John stood up to run. 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. 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. Megan. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. Medal of Honor citation. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Semper Fi. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. I hope we can share information! Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. So Ive been doing some research of my own. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. 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? She is my hero. #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 . She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. I think my Fathers generation were legends. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. I claim nothing in this video. 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. This is probably why it occurred. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Basilone fought. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. By Jeff McDonald. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. And she cut it with flair! One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. She was a patriotic American to the core!! As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. This is an extraordinary piece of History. [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. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. It has a cost, a soldiers life. Brother & Sister. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. 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. Ca.. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Sgt. He was 78. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. On the night of Oct. 24, 1942, on the island of Guadalcanal, a Japanese regiment of 3,000 troops attacked a handful of Marines, including Sergeant Basilone. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. That was their mistake. John Basilone whom she was aware of. 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. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. He was sent home to sell. The war was shortend by what they did. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. Was never properly entered into her service records. 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. The Life and Death of . Hi Mike or Major Pain. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. 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. I think this battlespooked him. 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! Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. 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 Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. According to the funeral .