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Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. He was sent home to sell. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. 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. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. And she cut it with flair! He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Semper Fi. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. . [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. This is what I remember about Lena. They were dumb animals who wanted . What a debt we owe to that generation. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. . Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. Doc..thanks for the reply. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. I think this battlespooked him. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). Hi Barbara! 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. 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 Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. 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. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Your email address will not be published. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. 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. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. What an amazing lady. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. . 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. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. 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. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Thanks Robin. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). 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. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes 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. Megan. David Rodgers: I found MSG Riggi was a marine of her own and even so at Long Beach VA. She said being married to John Basilone was the best thing in her life. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. John stood up to run. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. By Jeff McDonald. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. 75 years after, my heart had broke. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. 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). VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. So Ive been doing some research of my own. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. 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. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. John Basilone's Grave. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. My hero as well as her husband. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. 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. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . The Greatest Generation. 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. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. 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. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Thank you!!! I think my Fathers generation were legends. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Wow! Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. God bless! I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. 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. 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. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. 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. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. I read the book Im staying with my boys. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. . 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.