My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. The tickets are free but . 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. 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. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. . She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. 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. End note 456 reads: I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. 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. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. 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. From what Ive read they gained a lot of prestige. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. I wish i was around then. Your email address will not be published. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. But he was very persistent !! I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. 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. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. 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. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . John Basilone - Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps John Basilone Annihilates a Japanese Regiment in Guadalcanal Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. Coffee or Die Magazine | 'I'm Staying With My Boys' A Glimpse into Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. Marine God Puller: Sgt. Lena Basilone Pictures - Blogger She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine 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. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. I warmly greet. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. I am eternal grateful for that help. Gracias, amiga! Thank God she had someone. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. Brother & Sister. I believe they had no further contact with her. I served in 5 combat deployments. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. She is my hero. [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. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Its not a contest to receive one. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! 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". One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. 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. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. Another USS John Basilone is He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. Lena Riggi | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. 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. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Although she was just. Thank you? Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. #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 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. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack They were both rare kind of Marines. Here's Only Marine to win Medal of Honor, Navy Cross During WWII 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. . Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Megan. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. 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 ? Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. 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. 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. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. 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. Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Why John Basilone Might Be The Toughest Soldier Of World War II She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. Your right Marie. Leatherneck November 1988. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. His love for her was her memorial. 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. Ca.. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Thanks Robin. 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. 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. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. Only 34 Japanese survived it. Although she was just. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Basilone fought. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. They both are heros of mine. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound.