john basilone wife death

Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. 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. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Eternal be his memory . 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. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. I wish i could have known her. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - Viva Africa LLP I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. [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. 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 salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. 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. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. The Greatest Generation. 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! Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. 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. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. What an amazing lady. Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 - July 31, 2004) was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films and a number of radio and television shows from the 1930s to the early 1980s. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. 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. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. 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. Doc..thanks for the reply. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. 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. Basilone fought. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. 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. I have studied the war in the Pacific. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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!) I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. 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. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! 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. 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. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. 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. Quite a story. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. [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. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. 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. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. The date was February 19, 1945. She loved him very much. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. I think she was the most selfless person. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. January. 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 married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Legacy. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. Marine hero honored again with ship name - San Diego Union-Tribune I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Lena was a very strong woman. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. 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. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." 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. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. . He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? He was one of a family of ten children. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Another USS John Basilone is I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Virginia Grey is now deceased. Although she was just. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. [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. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. You truley were a good friend to her. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . John R Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) | Pemberton, New Jersey - Echovita May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. 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. Thanks for posting her story. Charles "Check" Tatum. I deserved it. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. The war was shortend by what they did. 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. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. 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. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. 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. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. : My dad was the same way even though. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . Thank you? [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. His love for her was her memorial. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. I would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. 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. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. I think it is what spooked him from combat. 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. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. So Ive been doing some research of my own. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! 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. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack Megan. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! 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 ? Thank you Barbara Garner for your detailed comments about the wonderful Lena, and how you tried to get her to agree to be buried near her husband. John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia She had her memories of John Basilone. Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a 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. 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. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom 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. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. Hi Barbara! I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. 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. 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. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. She must have been a great marine. She had much empathy for every veteran. or what its supposed to be. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. 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. 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. Wife of John Basilone. This is what I remember about Lena. 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. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status - San Diego Union-Tribune My mother was a lot like Lena. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. 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. Amen. 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. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. 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 . She always did things that were bigger than herself. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. John Basilone's Grave. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways.

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