I hope we can share information! I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. 7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline God Bless, her and her husband!!!! The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. We need everyone on the line. Thanks for posting her story. 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. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. 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 had much empathy for every veteran. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. What a debt we owe to that generation. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. [17][18][19], His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun 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. 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. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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 claim nothing in this video. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Sgt. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. Eternal be his memory . Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Hi Robin: I second what you said. He was an Army NCO in his mind. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. Lena never remarried. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. Sgt. John Basilone: Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. By Jeff McDonald. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. "Sgt. They were dumb animals who wanted . 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. 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). But he was very persistent !! John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine 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. Semper Fi. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. I think this battlespooked him. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. Megan. John Basilone Quotes. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. This is probably why it occurred. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. His love for her was her memorial. 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. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. Its not a contest to receive one. January. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I think it is what spooked him from combat. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. 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. Fortunately, I had an uncle who was a surgeon on the civilian side who took care of the problem> I served as a medic in the US Army by default. 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. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. In later life she served at the VA ;and everyone she came into contact with. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. John Basilone | Medal of Honor Recipient | Study.com That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. December 26, 2022 by Robin. 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. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery Charles "Check" Tatum. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Thanks for the kind words. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. 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. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I pray for all of them. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 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. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. 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. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. 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. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. I warmly greet. 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. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. On the night of October 24/25, 1942, some 3,000 Japanese troops attacked the U.S. Marines defending the Lunga perimeter and Henderson Field. . Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. 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. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. 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. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. 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. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. Basilone, [] However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. 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. Raritan to hold 35th annual John Basilone Memorial Parade John Basilone, who had already served three years in the Phillippines with the U.S. Army when he joined the Marines in 1940 as a machine gunner with C Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine . It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. The tickets are free but . 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. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. John Basilone and Lena Mae Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex And she cut it with flair! With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube The war was shortend by what they did. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. 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. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! 75 years after, my heart had broke. 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. 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. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? 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. They definitely did not wear cute little feminine skirted waitress type uniforms. "They weren't even men anymore. She must have been a great marine. Ca.. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule Blue 'Pacific' - New York Post Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . Virginia Grey is now deceased. Amen. Annie Parisse - Wikipedia and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. Doc..thanks for the reply. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero.