He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. John Basilone's Grave. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! 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. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. 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. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. He was 78. 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? 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 just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. I do miss her to this day. 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. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. Uncompromising with her conversations. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. and for the families they left behind.. 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. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. I just saw this site today for the first time. Then, John marries this stranger and he focuses on her instead of the family.My opinion is they were terribly jealous of her and blamed her for taking away their son and brother. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. 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. The . In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . 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. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. 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. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. . There are no words to describe this amazing lady. I am eternal grateful for that help. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. 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 were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. That she and Gunnery 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! Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. 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. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. She had much empathy for every veteran. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. Her parents were Italian immigrants. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. 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. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes John Basilone Quotes. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. When the heavy .30 . John Basilone MoH. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. #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 . It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. She is my hero. Gracias, amiga! She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. My father was a medic,like me. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. 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!) 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. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. They both are heros of mine. They were both rare kind of Marines. My hero as well as her husband. I hope we can share information! Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. 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. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . She was a patriotic American to the core!! Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. That was their mistake. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. 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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. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. They had been married for 7.3 months. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. 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. "Sgt. 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. 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. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Thank You David. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. If so where can I find it. I think this battlespooked him. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. 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. Basilone fought. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. I pray for all of them. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. December 26, 2022 by Robin. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. 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. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . God bless! The date was February 19, 1945. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt.