Thank you? The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. 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. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. 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. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! "Sgt. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. 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 . If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. . They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! 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 want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. 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. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. 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 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. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. 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. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. There are few like them. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. 75 years after, my heart had broke. . 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. 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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! Wow! They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. [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. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. 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. 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. 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. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. 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. 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. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy By Jeff McDonald. 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. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. My husband was stationed in California in the 80s; I even stayed with one of his relatives in Riverside while he checked in at MCRD San Diego. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. 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. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. "They weren't even men anymore. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. 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 That was their mistake. I think this battlespooked him. Stella. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce 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. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. 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. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. 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. 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. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. 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 My dad was a medic on Peleliu. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. This is an extraordinary piece of History. Basilone fought. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Ive watched the HBO series several times. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Lena was definitely one of a kind. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. Please call me and send your number. 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. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. They had been married for 7.3 months. What a debt we owe to that generation. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. Although she was just. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. Thanks for the kind words. 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. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. Its why I have the attitudes I do. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. You truley were a good friend to her. The date was February 19, 1945. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . She always did things that were bigger than herself. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. America was so much better i am sure. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. I have studied the war in the Pacific. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. 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. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. This is what I remember about Lena. John Basilone whom she was aware of. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. 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. 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. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. 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. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. She helped a lot of soldiers out throughout her long life of service.I thing she wanted to remain in the background. 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. John Basilone. 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. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. 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. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . 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. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. 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 think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Thank You David. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . Thank you!!! In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Gracias, amiga! God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. 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. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. 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.
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