Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. 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. 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. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. She belongs at Arlington. care.If that helps you. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. 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. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. 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. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. I had to settle for the Army. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Lena lives within a lot of us,sons of Pacific veterans and contemporary Marines and soldiers.Regards,SSG Rick ,Doc Borenstein, Hello Mrs. Barbara Garner, are an Italian lady and my name is Stella. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. It has a cost, a soldiers life. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. 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 got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Its why I have the attitudes I do. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. Its not a contest to receive one. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). i am a proud American. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor. 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. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. 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. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. I am so proud to be from a military family. 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. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. She is my hero. 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. 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. They were both rare kind of Marines. I was a busy medic and many days circumstances precluded writing.We do overlook the homefront but we have better communication, specifically emails now.and Skype.Lena and John would like these changes.I served as a medic to many of the combat arms so I hope my insights help. 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. She is in town for the Iwo Jima Reunion and Symposium and working on his documentary. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. 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. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. God bless! Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. Lena was a very strong woman. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. 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. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. According to the funeral . Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . or what its supposed to be. At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . I am proud to call John and Lena. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. . She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Hi Robin: I second what you said. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. By Jeff McDonald. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. 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 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. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. 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. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. December 26, 2022 by Robin. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . . Thats typical. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Naval Service.[11]. 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. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. 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. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. 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 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Required fields are marked *. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. I claim nothing in this video. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . She deserves it all! This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. He was an Army NCO in his mind. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. You truley were a good friend to her. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. 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. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time . He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. I guess being a diabetic with a full ankle replacement i would just be more of a problem for the military rather than a help. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! It's simply . I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. The Life and Death of . These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. 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. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Your email address will not be published. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. Thank You David. 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. 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. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Your right Marie. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Doc..thanks for the reply. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo 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. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Sgt. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. They . Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. 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. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. . Doc 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. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. I wish i could have known her. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I think my Fathers generation were legends. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. 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. Thank You Robin. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. Regards, 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. John Basilone, a recipient of the . She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. 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. I know she would enrich my life. 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. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. John Basilone MoH. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. Japan lost a key advantage of giving A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . End note 456 reads: Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. 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