We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. 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!) [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. [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. 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. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. 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? Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. 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. John Basilone Quotes. 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. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. 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. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. 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. 75 years after, my heart had broke. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. 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. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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]. While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. I pray for all of them. They were both rare kind of Marines. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. 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. 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. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. 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. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. My hero as well as her husband. Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. This is what I remember about Lena. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. 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. Thanks for posting her story. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. Virginia Grey is now deceased. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. 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. 1939. 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. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Thanks Robin. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. January. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. 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. 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. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. 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. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. I think my Fathers generation were legends. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. Regards, Please let me know. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. John Basilone. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. [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. (source). I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! She had her memories of John Basilone. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. 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. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. He was sent home to sell. 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. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. 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 She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? . That she and Gunnery Sgt. "It brings back so many memories.". Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. United States Government. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Stella. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. 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. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. 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. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Thank God she had someone. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. Your email address will not be published. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. I had to settle for the Army. He became a doctor and served his community well. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Megan. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. Basilone fought. 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. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. I just saw this site today for the first time. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. By Jeff McDonald. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. 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. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. She belongs at Arlington. 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. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Lena was a very strong woman. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. 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. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. It was great. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020. project zomboid ham radio frequencies; gunton hall rooms; kauai hotels kama'aina rate 2021; mary katherine backstrom net worth 2020; blackstone managing director salary. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. She is my hero. Doc..thanks for the reply. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. Thank You David. 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. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Wife of John Basilone. 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. They . The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. 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. Your email address will not be published. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. I was never one to really say anything religious. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. 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. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. 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. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. Thank you for your insights. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He spoke very little about it. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. RegardsDoc P.S. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Thank you? The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . But she always contended it would be too much trouble. A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. 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. 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. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. and for the families they left behind.. Barbara Garner. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. The Life and Death of . This is an extraordinary piece of History. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. . Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. We talked about her experiences. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. 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 knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. Medal of Honor citation. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. 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 . She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. John Basilone whom she was aware of. 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.