I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. John Basilone, a recipient of the . The Democrat did not seek re-election for . Wow! At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. 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. It has a cost, a soldiers life. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. 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 My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. Thanks for the kind words. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. I wish i was around then. Lena never remarried. 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. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Thank you!!! That was their mistake. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. Another USS John Basilone is I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. . Although she was just. . [2] He was the sixth of ten children. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. Thanks Robin. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! My father,Dr Milt Borenstein was a combat medic in the Pacific Attached to the USMC under General Roy Geiger of Guadalcanal fame.When Lena met John she was in charge of a mess hall at Camp Pendleton,California. 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 both are heros of mine. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. 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. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. 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. 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. . They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I found Lena in both the 1930 and 1940 censusand was very surprised and excited to learn that not only was she an Oregonian, shes was basically for me a local girl! She was raised and lived and worked in places less than an hours drive from where I live now! She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Sad they didnt have children. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. End note 456 reads: There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. 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. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". 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 Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. 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. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. The date was February 19, 1945. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. 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. John Basilone. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. Thank you? He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. Please let me know. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Sgt. I think she was the most selfless person. 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. . During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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. Lena was definitely one of a kind. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. 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. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. 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. Your email address will not be published. You truley were a good friend to her. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. 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. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. Giving Johns Medal of Honor to his Mom and Dad was a selfless and gracious gift . Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Only 34 Japanese survived it. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. [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. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. Uncompromising with her conversations. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. 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's Grave. Regardless of whether Basilone's ability was real or imagined, what matters is that he believed it, making his request for orders to the fleet and his actions on Iwo Jima all the more astounding. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. I was so happy for them both when they got married. 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. America was so much better i am sure. 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 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. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . [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. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. 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. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Gracias, amiga! There are few like them. 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. I am proud to call John and Lena. She always did things that were bigger than herself. (source). For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Women Marines are such an important part of the Marine Corps. 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. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. 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. Her spirit still lives on.. 1939. Please call me and send your number. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. 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. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too! He became a doctor and served his community well. 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. RegardsDoc P.S. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Thank You Robin. 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 both for your service and sacrifice. Barbara Garner. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . 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. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. . I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. As I have grown up and I served many others became my family when I lost my dad to cancer.They filled in as role models and kept on the right path. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . or what its supposed to be. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. The . 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 found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. 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. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I wanted t join the USMC in 1st MARDIV but my cousin and uncle were already there and I had to settle for the Army. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. Wife of John Basilone. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal.
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