john basilone wife death john basilone wife death

I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. 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. Thanks Robin. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. 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. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. 75 years after, my heart had broke. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. 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. 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. and for the families they left behind.. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. God bless Sgt. 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. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. Required fields are marked *. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Thank you? I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. 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. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Sad they didnt have children. 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. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. (Thats my VietNam). He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. She must have been a great marine. But he was very persistent !! John Basilone. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. 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. 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. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. Her parents were Italian immigrants. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. This is what I remember about Lena. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. 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. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. I could not serve in the USMC which was one of my ambitions, family members were in units I wanted to join, I settled for the Army and do not regret any of my service of 33 1/2.yrs.My dad was in the Pacific with the Marines including the Guam and Peleliu campaigns. What an amazing lady. 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. 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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. December 26, 2022 by Robin. 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". On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. 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. 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. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. I have had my father, uncles, and even grandfathers who fought in WW II and have had find out what it was like because vets find it easier to talk to other vets. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. I was never one to really say anything religious. . Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. They were dumb animals who wanted . Doc When the heavy .30 . Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Ive watched the HBO series several times. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . They were both technically saavy at their jobs and legendary leaders as NCOs.They are heros to me, as the members of my family who answered the call and still do to this day, my family in Israel. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. 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. She loved him very much. 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. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. Its why I have the attitudes I do. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. 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. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. What a debt we owe to that generation. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. 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. 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. To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. Lena never remarried. 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 ? I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. This is where the television show concludes and unfortunately for curious viewers, the show apparently did not include any follow-up information about John Basilones widow. The war was shortend by what they did. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. 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. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. I do miss her to this day. Thank You Robin. All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. They both are heros of mine. Eternal be his memory . My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. Gracias, amiga! Wife of John Basilone. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I think it is what spooked him from combat. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. John Basilone whom she was aware of. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). We talked about her experiences. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. 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. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. I have been trying to find you. The story is woven with surprising personal details. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. 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. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? We did our jobs and what were asked to do. He spoke very little about it. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. 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. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. i am a proud American. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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.. I had it easy in comparison. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Hi Barbara! 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 . Quite a story. 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. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. God bless! 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. (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. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. He became a doctor and served his community well. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . Please let me know. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. This is an extraordinary piece of History. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. 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. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . Nick Name: Manila John Also Known As: Manila John Died At Age: 28 Family: Spouse/Ex-: Lena Mae Riggi (m. 1944) father: Salvatore Basilone mother: Theadora Bencivenga Born Country: United States Soldiers American Men Height: 1.8 m Died on: February 19, 1945 place of death: Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan Ancestry: Italian American I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. 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. May 10, 2013!! He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Your right Marie. or what its supposed to be. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead.