She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. 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. I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? Thank you? You truley were a good friend to her. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. Required fields are marked *. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. "Sgt. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. 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. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. By Jeff McDonald. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. I am eternal grateful for that help. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. 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. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. They had been married for 7.3 months. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. But he was very persistent !! After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. 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. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . He was sent home to sell. 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. We talked about her experiences. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. 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.. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. Ca.. 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. 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. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. December 26, 2022 by Robin. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. What an amazing lady. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. The . What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. 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. The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Virginia Grey is now deceased. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. That she and Gunnery Sgt. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. Your email address will not be published. The war was shortend by what they did. 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. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. care.If that helps you. What a debt we owe to that generation. Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. [5] In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th Infantry at Fort Jay, New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry.[6][7]. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. 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 served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. 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. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. 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. Gracias, amiga! 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. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. 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. 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. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. 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. 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. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. 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". 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. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: 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. John Basilone MoH. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Stella. 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. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Hi Robin: I second what you said. He became a doctor and served his community well. 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. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. The tickets are free but . It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. I wish i could have known her. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. So Ive been doing some research of my own. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. 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. "It brings back so many memories.". Hi Mike or Major Pain. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. 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. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. 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. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. This is what I remember about Lena. God bless Sgt. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . and for the families they left behind.. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Lena was definitely one of a kind. Please call me and send your number. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. Dear Barbara Garner, I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. 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. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. 75 years after, my heart had broke. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! But only small details.for instance, at that time all lady marines that worked in the kitchen wore the mens fatigues, but not the ones popular today. Doc My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. i am a proud American. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her.