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Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. I warmly greet. 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 have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Although she was just. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. The Life And Legend Of John Basilone: Marine Medal Of Honor Winner And John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita It has a cost, a soldiers life. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Only 34 Japanese survived it. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. 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. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. The date was February 19, 1945. Thanks Robin. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. Wow! To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. 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. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. 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. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena John Basilone Quotes | KnowQuotes.com I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Lena never remarried. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! (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. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule Thank you for your insights. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. Hi Robin: I second what you said. . And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. Gracias, amiga! It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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". While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Are their any other books about him? Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. I pray for all of them. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! The Greatest Generation. I wish i was around then. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Regards, My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. 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. 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. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. 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. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . I love my Vietnam compadres and family. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune 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. 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. 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. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. 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. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. Thanks for the kind words. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. 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. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. 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.