john basilone wife death

Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. 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. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! 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. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Thank you for your insights. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. . Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. 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! Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . Lena never forgot us and took care of us. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I warmly greet. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. i am a proud American. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Hello All: He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! 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!) Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. According to the funeral . I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Basilone, [] I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. Thanks for posting her story. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. 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. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Megan. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. 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. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. 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! GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. John Basilone. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. us army combat medic i, FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, saws through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Sgt. 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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. Thats typical. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. I believe they had no further contact with her. This is probably why it occurred. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Amen. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. What a debt we owe to that generation. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. May 10, 2013!! He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. 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 "Sgt. Doc..thanks for the reply. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. I know she would enrich my life. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. 75 years after, my heart had broke. 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. 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 have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. Although she was just. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. John stood up to run. [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. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. 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. 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. And she cut it with flair! the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. . Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I think my Fathers generation were legends. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. John Basilone Quotes. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Your email address will not be published. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). God bless Sgt. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . 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. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." 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 am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. 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. 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. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Japan lost a key advantage of giving I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. "It brings back so many memories.". I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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 received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. They were good examples which I followed. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. 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 ? Leatherneck November 1988. I wish i could have known her. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. You truley were a good friend to her. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. 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. Thanks Robin. I hope we can share information! Although she was just. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. 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. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? I claim nothing in this video. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. The Greatest Generation. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Please let me know. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. 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. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. I have been trying to find you. What an amazing lady. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. I was so happy for them both when they got married. John Basilone MoH. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Thanks for the kind words. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. Medal of Honor citation. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. Wife of John Basilone. [11] Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. 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. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27.

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