DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Its why I have the attitudes I do. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I am so proud to be from a military family. I have my lense of combat by which I can see why the Pacific descended into the cauldron of hell that it was, both sides fought brutally with equal gusto. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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 . The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. Thanks Robin. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. You truley were a good friend to her. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. January. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. She had her memories of John Basilone. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. (source). We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. 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. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. There are few like them. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. 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. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. 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 both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. My mother was a lot like Lena. Thanks for the kind words. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 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. John Basilone's Grave. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. 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. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. John Basilone MoH. He spoke very little about it. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. I have been trying to find you. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. I believe they had no further contact with her. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. 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 One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. Medal of Honor citation. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. 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. It has a cost, a soldiers life. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. She always did things that were bigger than herself. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. Charles "Check" Tatum. He became a doctor and served his community well. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. 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. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. care.If that helps you. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. 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 served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. 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. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. It's simply . 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. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . 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. 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!!! Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. 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. 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. I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Thats typical. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. I read the book Im staying with my boys. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. 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. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . 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. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . Basilone fought. 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. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. Although she was just. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Eternal be his memory . . 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. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I think this battlespooked him. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. 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. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. The tickets are free but . 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. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. (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.
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