She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. She had much empathy for every veteran. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. I do miss her to this day. 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. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. Dear Barbara Garner, Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Doc Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Wow! The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. Basilone, [] I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. It was great. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. 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 did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. Uncompromising with her conversations. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? December 26, 2022 by Robin. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Required fields are marked *. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. The legs were long, so they were rolled up.the waist was generally too big, so the y cinched up a belt around their waist. 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. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. God bless Sgt. . My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. 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]. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. Your email address will not be published. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. We need everyone on the line. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. Only 34 Japanese survived it. 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. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. 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. I think it is what spooked him from combat. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. I wish i was around then. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. 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. God bless! God Bless, her and her husband!!!! It's simply . I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Megan. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! 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. 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 . But she always contended it would be too much trouble. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Wife of John Basilone. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. They both are heros of mine. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. I hope we can share information! January. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. Her spirit still lives on.. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. My father was a medic,like me. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. RegardsDoc P.S. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. Ive watched the HBO series several times. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo [2] He was the sixth of ten children. 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 ? 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. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. 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. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. What an amazing lady. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. 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. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. 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. He was one of a family of ten children. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. 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. 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! "It brings back so many memories.". I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. He became a doctor and served his community well. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. (Thats my VietNam). Although she was just. 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. I warmly greet. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. 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. 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. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. 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. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 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. 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. Thats typical. I believe they had no further contact with her. 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. [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. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. . Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Virginia Grey is now deceased. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! 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. You truley were a good friend to her. 75 years after, my heart had broke. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! 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. I claim nothing in this video. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. 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 spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". My father was a medic and water purification specialist. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. 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. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. care.If that helps you. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. When the heavy .30 . Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937.

Are Trixie And Pearl Still Friends, Articles J