GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. 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. 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. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. May 10, 2013!! Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. I wish i was around then. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. 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.. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. I was so happy for them both when they got married. The war was shortend by what they did. 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. 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. 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. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. 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. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. They were dumb animals who wanted . This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Ive watched the HBO series several times. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. 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 ? My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. I was never one to really say anything religious. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. 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. [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. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. 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. . care.If that helps you. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. 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!) I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. 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. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. 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. Sgt. 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! Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Barbara Garner. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. 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 . During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. Hi Robin: I second what you said. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. John Basilone MoH. I deserved it. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). I think she was the most selfless person. Brother & Sister. I too am writing about her for a project in the 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. In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Basilone, [] Dear Barbara Garner, She had much empathy for every veteran. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. John stood up to run. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. United States Government. He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal. I read the book Im staying with my boys. 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 suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. He was sent home to sell. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I had to settle for the Army. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. 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. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. I know she would enrich my life. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. 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. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. What would make someone cut the connection so completely, yet state that she had the best?, Miss she had the man he was worth more than any material thing she had and her memory of him was enough for her. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. 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). She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. 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. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. He was 78. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. . I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. 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. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. 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. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! The Democrat did not seek re-election for . 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. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! 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. Was never properly entered into her service records. She had her memories of John Basilone. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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. 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.