john basilone wife death

Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! 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 felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. 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. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. The war was shortend by what they did. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. RegardsDoc P.S. 75 years after, my heart had broke. John Basilone's Grave. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. 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. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. 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 . If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. 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. 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. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! Naval Service.[11]. I think it is what spooked him from combat. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. God bless Sgt. John Basilone. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. John Basilone. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Amen. The story is woven with surprising personal details. He was 78. [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. . Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. They had been married for 7.3 months. I just saw this site today for the first time. 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. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. 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. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. Although she was just. Thats typical. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. 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. 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 thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. 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. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. 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 was so happy for them both when they got married. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. i am a proud American. 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. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. He was sent home to sell. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . 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. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. Required fields are marked *. 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 young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. Its not a contest to receive one. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. 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. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. Eternal be his memory . What a shame she is not buried with her husband. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. 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. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. 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. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. 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. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. John Basilone MoH. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. 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. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. I claim nothing in this video. Thank You David. 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! Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. [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. 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. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . 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 . I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! God bless! Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. Gracias, amiga! She must have been a great marine. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Please let me know. Sad they didnt have children. 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. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Wow! HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. 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. 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. She belongs at Arlington. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. By Jeff McDonald. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. We need everyone on the line. 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. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. I have studied the war in the Pacific. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Uncompromising with her conversations. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. 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. Medal of Honor citation. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . 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. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. 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 A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Lena was definitely one of a kind. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. 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. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. 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. Megan. I have been trying to find you. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. 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. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! 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. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. She loved him very much. 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. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! 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. This is an extraordinary piece of History. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Only 34 Japanese survived it. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. 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 know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Quite a story. 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. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. 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. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. She had much empathy for every veteran. Thank you for your insights. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. January. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. 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 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. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. 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. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. She always did things that were bigger than herself. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. 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. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. I warmly greet. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I read the book Im staying with my boys. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Lena never remarried. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Although she was just. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Legacy. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one.

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