, Lena was a hero to me and so was John. According to the funeral . VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Thank you? After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. Thank God she had someone. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. 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. 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. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. "Sgt. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. We talked about her experiences. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. 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. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. 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. Semper Fi. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Lena never remarried. 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. Thank you for your insights. Thank you!!! Charles "Check" Tatum. By Jeff McDonald. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. She had her memories of John Basilone. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. 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. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. This is an extraordinary piece of History. Hello All: I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. Basilone, [] Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. I just saw this site today for the first time. End note 456 reads: 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. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 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. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. He was one of a family of ten children. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Medal of Honor citation. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. 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. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. I think it is what spooked him from combat. 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. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. 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. She had much empathy for every veteran. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. 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. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. 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 just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. . To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. 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. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Doc My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. 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. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They were good examples which I followed. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. 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. 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. On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. 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 Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. John Basilone. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. Basilone fought. Required fields are marked *. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. 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. Eternal be his memory . 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. 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. Only 34 Japanese survived it. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! She loved him very much. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. She belongs at Arlington. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Its why I have the attitudes I do. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. 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!) Virginia Grey Entertainment - Actress Why Famous: Hullabaloo, film Age: 87 (3/22/1917 - 7/31/2004) Virginia Grey's Relationships (3) John Basilone Other - Other Why Famous: Recipient of Medal of Honor for Battle of Guadalcanal I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. 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! The . I am proud to call John and Lena. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. (Thats my VietNam). The tickets are free but . They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. I am eternal grateful for that help. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. . WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Its not a contest to receive one. I deserved it. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. That she and Gunnery Sgt. I claim nothing in this video. Quite a story. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. 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. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. 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. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. 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). 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! I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Thats typical. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Thanks, Dave. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. . Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve.
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