john basilone wife death

I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! It's simply . I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. 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. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. [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. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. End note 456 reads: 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. 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. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. "It brings back so many memories.". 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. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. They had been married for 7.3 months. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. 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. 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 uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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. 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. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. If so where can I find it. 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. May 10, 2013!! John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Thanks for posting her story. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . I just saw this site today for the first time. We need everyone on the line. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. John Basilone whom she was aware of. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. It has a cost, a soldiers life. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. 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. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. John stood up to run. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. Wife of John Basilone. : My dad was the same way even though. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. I do miss her to this day. Instead, Iwo Jima turned out to be a life raft. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. The price of freedom is not cheap. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. 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. 75 years after, my heart had broke. In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Although she was just. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. 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's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. (source). Barbara Garner. I will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. "Sgt. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Your email address will not be published. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. I hope we can share information! Stella. 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. Thank You Robin. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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 Sgt. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. 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. Although she was just. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marine's boot camp education. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . Naval Service.[11]. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. 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. 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. Although she was just. 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. Thats typical. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Thanks for the kind words. [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. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. Its why I have the attitudes I do. 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. 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. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. 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. 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! God Bless, her and her husband!!!! 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. 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. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. Was never properly entered into her service records. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. 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. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. BASILONE, JOHN United States Marine Corps VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1945 DATE OF INTERMENT: 04/20/1948 BURIED AT: SECTION 12 SITE 384 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I have been trying to find you. Its not a contest to receive one. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. But he was very persistent !! The date was February 19, 1945. 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. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. 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. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. January. The Life and Death of . On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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.

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