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Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Ca.. 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. [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]. Sad they didnt have children. I had it easy in comparison. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. What a debt we owe to that generation. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Eternal be his memory . 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. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. Paul I want to learn about Nam because what my commanders in Basic, AIT, and even in units I later joined trained this old medic in Vietnam methods, tactics and how to stay alive, especially when the cry medic was heard, aka our fatal flaw. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. The . Thank You David. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. May they both rest in peace and live on in the history they helped write. I am eternal grateful for that help. . But she always contended it would be too much trouble. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. 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. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. You may see an updated blog entry from me here in the coming day sharing what Ive discovered , Thank You Sabrina: I am glad to learn about these facts. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. 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. 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. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. 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. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. [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. Uncompromising with her conversations. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I was never one to really say anything religious. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Thats typical. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. I have been trying to find you. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercise [], FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec.11, 2022) Members of the search fire and rescue team, assigned to the Marine Corps Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, drill through concrete while conducting a rescue during Exercise Sudden Response 23 at Fort Hood, Texas Dec. 11, 2022. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Its why I have the attitudes I do. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. This is an extraordinary piece of History. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. 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. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. The USS Basilone, was decommissioned in 1977. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. 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 May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! 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. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. I served in 5 combat deployments. 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 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. That she and Gunnery Sgt. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. 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. 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 proud to call John and Lena. They were both rare kind of Marines. He became a doctor and served his community well. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. 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. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. John Basilone, a recipient of the . 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. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! I know one person who could answer this question better than me. 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. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. John Basilone's Grave. On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. However, she decided to go and pray at church instead, since America had made the decision to enter the war the day before due to the devastating, ruthless Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and news of Japan's recent takeover of Shanghai, China . I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign), John Basilone meets the Mayor of New York, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45, List of historically notable United States Marines, List of Medal of Honor recipients for World War II, "Annual John Basilone Parade stirs feelings of patriotism, Jersey pride", "Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps", United States Army Center of Military History, "Resort Style Senior Living | California Lutheran Homes | Carlsbad by the Sea", "The Story of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Part 3", "Burial Detail: Basilone, John (Section 12, Grave 384) Birth Date: 11/04/1916; Death Date: 02/19/1945; Interment Date: 04/20/1948", "Raritan Public Library "Basilone Room"Gy/Sgt John Basilone ribbons", "SCR 25 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Freeway", "company-c-fights-up-hill-battle-basilones-challenge", "Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial", "Raritan to honor its fallen son with 33rd Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade", "Raritan's World War II hero John Basilone inducted into NJ Hall of Fame", "JOHN BASILONE Historical Raritan (19161945)", Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, "John Basilone's Medal of Honor Ceremony remembered by Marine Sidney Phillips", United States Marine Corps History Division Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Biography, Medal of Honor Recipients Depicted in Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_Basilone&oldid=1140815348, An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US, US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway", In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. 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. Lena would have been one mess sergeant I would never worry about because she ran a very efficient mess hall and really cared about the food and other things mess halls served. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. His love for her was her memorial. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. She was the wife of John Basilone, one of the famous Marines every Marine Corps recruit learns about at boot camp. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. It was great. May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. He spoke very little about it. MY dad was attached to Geigers Marines with the US Army because he did water purification,ran a medical lab in addition to his ground duties. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. 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 knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. 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. It has a cost, a soldiers life. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. 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! RegardsDoc P.S. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. 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 know in the movie she went to visit his parents. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. 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. Wow! Hi Mike or Major Pain. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. 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. 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 do miss her to this day. Quite a story. 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. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! [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. 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. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. I deserved it. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? She had her memories of John Basilone. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). P.S. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. 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. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . Lena was the same kind of a Marine too. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! The Democrat did not seek re-election for . In our Baptist church whenever we sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic she would stand up and get everyone marching behind her all around the auditorium!!! Doc..thanks for the reply. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. He was sent home to sell. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Lena was definitely one of a kind. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. . Megan. Thank you!!! Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them.