While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. We need everyone on the line. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: 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. 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. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . 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 My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. He was one of a family of ten children. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Although she was just. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! Semper Fi. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! 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. #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 . You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. It was great. 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. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. (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. I read the book Im staying with my boys. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. Her spirit still lives on.. Lena never remarried. Womens symposium focuses on family unit, Sgt Lena Basilone Part Three The semi-normal, day-to-day life of a female Marine, John Basilone: Returning to the Fight After Earning Medal of Honor, Read the Signs along the Road :: Stolinsky.com | Conservative political and social commentary, Sunday Salute: Sergeant Lena Riggi Basilone Deb Sinness, Author, Follow Women Marines Association on WordPress.com, Little Marine's Journal: Why I Joined the Marine Corps, Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 1 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 2 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 3 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 4 of 6], Marine 1st sergeant uses combat experience to save man hit by car, 3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15, Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel, As Ukraine highlights value of killer drones, Marine Corps wants more. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. By Jeff McDonald. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. 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. Basilone, [] I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour 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 . We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. 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 did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. 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. Thanks, Dave. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. It has a cost, a soldiers life. He was 78. 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. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. 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. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. 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. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. 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. I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Japan lost a key advantage of giving I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. She had her memories of John Basilone. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Thank You David. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. 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. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. That she and Gunnery Sgt. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Legacy. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . 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. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. "Sgt. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. 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. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. I claim nothing in this video. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: Wife of John Basilone. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. He was sent home to sell. They were dumb animals who wanted . We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. May 10, 2013!! Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. 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. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. (Thats my VietNam). 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. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. My mother was a lot like Lena. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. 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. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. 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. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? She had much empathy for every veteran. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. He was an Army NCO in his mind. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. 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. 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. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. She is my hero. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals.