john basilone wife death

This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. 1939. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Hi Robin: I second what you said. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. The price of freedom is not cheap. John Basilone. [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. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. I just saw this site today for the first time. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. 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. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. They had been married for 7.3 months. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. They were both rare kind of Marines. 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. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Your email address will not be published. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. 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 know one person who could answer this question better than me. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. 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. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . 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 ? Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . Lena never remarried. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. My hero as well as her husband. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. 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. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 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. God bless Sgt. [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Life and Death of . It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Semper Fi. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. What an amazing lady. . 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. John Basilone, a recipient of the . Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Naval Service.[11]. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! 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. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. He was sent home to sell. He became a doctor and served his community well. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . Thanks to a character in the recent television series called "The Pacific", the name of a female Marine has made an appearance on the pop culture radar: Lena Mae Riggi. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. 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. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. The story is woven with surprising personal details. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. . My father was a medic,like me. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. John Basilone MoH. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". Thanks for the kind words. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. He spoke very little about it. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. 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. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! . I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. 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. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. 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. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Her spirit still lives on.. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. 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 was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. The war was shortend by what they did. 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. I had it easy in comparison. He was 78. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They were dumb animals who wanted . They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. 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. 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 . 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 see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Thank You David. But he was very persistent !! Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! or what its supposed to be. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. 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 hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. Barbara Garner. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. 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. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Quite a story. Wife of John Basilone. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. My husband was stationed in California in the 80s; I even stayed with one of his relatives in Riverside while he checked in at MCRD San Diego. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! 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. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. I wish i was around then. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Its not a contest to receive one. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor 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 Iwo Jima. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. I hope we can share information! Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. This is probably why it occurred. 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. She is my hero. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. 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! Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. 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. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. There are few like them. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . 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. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. 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. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes [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. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I had to settle for the Army. 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 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.

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