[22], GySgt Basilone's military awards include: He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. His widow, Marine Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, died 11 June 1999 at the age of 86 and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. That’s typical. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. We need everyone on the line. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. It’s great to learn more about the people behind the name. 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. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something can’t be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG Rick”Doc”Borenstein(Retired) combat Medic. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. May 10, 2013!! During the Crucible portion of Marine Corps Recruit Training on the West Coast, there is an obstacle named "Basilone's Challenge" that consists of carrying ammunition cans filled with concrete up a steep, wooded hill. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. I think it will improve the military’s ability to fight. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Japan lost a key advantage of giving I just saw this site today for the first time. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried, and she was buried still wearing her wedding ring. 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. The hero is John Basilone, a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the nation’s highest military award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. America was so much better i am sure. He was deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to, JOHN BASILONE Log In. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. Lena received ‘the telegram’ on her 32nd birthday. My father was a medic,like me. 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. Basilone was born in his parents' home on November 4, 1916 in Buffalo, New York, the sixth of 10 children. Afterwards, he was permanently buried at Arlington National Cemetery, section 12, grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The statue, featuring Basilone holding a water-cooled Browning machine gun, was sculpted by Phillip Orlando, a childhood friend. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. 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. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. John Basilone’s Wife. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. “Doc” she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of John’s 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. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. . In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. So he couldn’t have possibly made the “best coffee she ever had.” Still, it’s 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. 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. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. Lena never remarried. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. My mother was a lot like Lena. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 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. “Johnny” was definitely the love of her life! From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918.[1]. 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 think she was the most selfless person. https://www.military.com/history/marine-gunnery-sgt-john-basilone.html Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. This is an extraordinary piece of History. In the mini series, he is portrayed as being shot through the chest and left arm and dying in pain. Their bomber was called” Cabin In the sky”. From what I’ve read they gained a lot of prestige. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargent’s. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. It was sculpted by a childhood friend, Phillip Orlando and dedicated in 1948. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphy’s wife. He is now buried in Arlington Cemetary. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. I’m 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. Semper fi, John. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. The virtual roadshow will allow Marines the opportunity to participate in interviews, reenlist, and discuss future assignments. 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. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, from Baltimore, Maryland. Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/19842/john-francis-basilone: accessed ), memorial page for GYSGT John Francis Basilone (4 Nov 1916–19 Feb 1945), Find a Grave Memorial ID 19842, citing Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA ; Maintained by Find A Grave . What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. Lena always had her wallet full of “Johnny’s” pictures. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934 and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. 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 ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil, I stop by Lena’s grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. She remained “ married “ to her hero for the rest of her life . Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I have studied the war in the Pacific. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. See Answer. Thank you for your insights. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. I didn’t write for periods up to 1 month. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. ( Log Out /  Where did John basilone die? However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. (U.S. Marine Corps video by LCpl. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Let’s just say I’ve become “officially” obsessed with the story. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. He never saw his wife again. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didn’t seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. Sections of this page. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? His parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. 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. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. us army combat medic i, Be part of an elite organization that is strictly for our women who have earned the title Marine. 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. The site is now a golf course. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. I wish i could have known her. GySgt John Basilone’s niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. Eventually, the Corps relented. I’ve met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. 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. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. He was an Army NCO in his mind. The football field is called "Basilone Field". Asked by Wiki User. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. The price of freedom is not cheap. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena said”once 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. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. I know she would enrich my life. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. 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. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. Create New Account. 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. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 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, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. 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. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Lena never remarried and when she died she was still wearing the ring John had given her, 54 years earlier. He was originally buried at the cemetery on Iwo Jima, but reinterred in 1948. Just three days after Lena’s 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’. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilone’s niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Thank you for your comments.My father and your father’s dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilone’s John and Lena were legends. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/john-basilone-13205.php He is remembered as one of the greatest of the many US Marine Corps heroes. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Lena was a very strong woman. Her favorite framed picture of “Johnny” always sat looking at her from atop her TV! God Bless Lena and John Basilone… our heroes. My hero as well as her husband. They finally agreed to ‘wife of Sgt.John Basilone’. She had her memories of John Basilone. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I am so proud to be from a military family. 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. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. She retired from the Marine Corps on January 1, 1999. SSG Rick”Doc” Borenstein US Army (Ret). I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. Joseph Cooper). 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 Israel’s Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. Thanks for posting her story. God bless! The competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with a range of weapon types. Ca.. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, 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, "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 (1916–1945)", 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, Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee, United States Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1022931915, United States Marine Corps personnel killed in World War II, Military personnel from Buffalo, New York, Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States), United States Marine Corps non-commissioned officers, United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipients, World War II recipients of the Medal of Honor, United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II, Articles with dead external links from April 2012, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox military person with both image and medal, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the United States Marine Corps, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilone’s family. Barbara Garner. 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. Joseph Cooper), U.S. Marines compete in the 2021 Marine Corps Championship Marksmanship Competition, April 12-16, at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Basilone's military awards include: Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Forgot account? May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. The formula ensures Marines are informed, proactive and considerate during all stages of their individual PCS. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. Regards, SSg Rick “Doc” Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. Thank God she had someone. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. NC5 is located in Wilmington NC area. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lena’s actual life facts wrong. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. 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. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in. Doc…..thanks for the reply. Lena was seldom seen in public after his death, and never re-married. [21], His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! Regards, David, I still don’t understand Lena’s comment about “not wanting to be a bother to anyone” and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win..