I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. John Basilone - Net Worth 2023, Age, Height, Bio, Birthday, Wiki! And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. 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). Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Thats typical. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. Barbara Garner. 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 ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade : My dad was the same way even though. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Required fields are marked *. 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. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. I wish i was around then. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Thank God she had someone. I know she would enrich my life. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I had to settle for the Army. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Thank You Robin. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status - San Diego Union-Tribune After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. I am so proud to be from a military family. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. Semper Fi. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia 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. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. 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. (Thats my VietNam). The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. . 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. Basilone fought. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. John Basilone Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. i am a proud American. 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. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. 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. Was never properly entered into her service records. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. 75 years after, my heart had broke. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. John stood up to run. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. He was sent home to sell. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. My mother was a lot like Lena. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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 learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I claim nothing in this video. 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. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. We need everyone on the line. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. Hi Robin: I second what you said. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. 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. I was never one to really say anything religious. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. 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 other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 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 written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. 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. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. And she cut it with flair! broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. It has a cost, a soldiers life. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. 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 . My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Amen. 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. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. 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. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex

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