john basilone wife death

i am a proud American. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Japan lost a key advantage of giving My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. 75 years after, my heart had broke. 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. I have been trying to find you. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. I deserved it. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. I was never one to really say anything religious. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! 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. 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. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. 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? Uncompromising with her conversations. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. Lena was a very strong woman. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. 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. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Thank You Robin. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . I hope we can share information! Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. 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. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. 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. They were both rare kind of Marines. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. 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]. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. Virginia Grey - nndb.com The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. . 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. 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. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. Was never properly entered into her service records. Stella. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. 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. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. Basilone, John, "Manila John". - WW2 Gravestone I just saw this site today for the first time. 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 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. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. I was so happy for them both when they got married. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. 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. 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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . 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 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. John stood up to run. Brother & Sister. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo 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. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. It's simply . My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Required fields are marked *. 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. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. or what its supposed to be. 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. Thanks for posting her story. So Ive been doing some research of my own. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. 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. 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. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. 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. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. . We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. John Basilone whom she was aware of. 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. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. 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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. 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 wish i was around then. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John 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. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. That was their mistake. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers That she and Gunnery Sgt. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T.

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