Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. : My dad was the same way even though. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. 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! However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. According to the funeral . Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Are their any other books about him? 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 . Please let me know. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. She is my hero. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. John Basilone. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in, The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 22:45. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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. 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. care.If that helps you. 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. Basilone received numerous honors, including the following: John Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. 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. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Ive watched the HBO series several times. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. Although she was just. My biggest campaigns was Korea in the 70s, Desert Storm,(2 tours) Bosnia, and Iraq. I can also say to you that those who do - seem to need some sort of verification for their time in country. Stella. Thanks for the kind words. 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. He became a doctor and served his community well. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Thank You Robin. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . 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. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan. John Basilone MoH. 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. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. 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. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. 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. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. 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 Uncompromising with her conversations. She was a patriotic American to the core!! I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . John Basilone whom she was aware of. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. Semper FI, Both tremendous Marines who loved each other and their country. I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. 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 . Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. Lena was a very strong woman. 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. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. It had a few details that were not accurate and you were correct. However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Eternal be his memory . Please call me and send your number. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. 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. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) 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. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. May they rest in peace. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Japan initiated it and made the rules in my mind, The USMC adapted and fought accordingly. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! I have had 7 combat campaigns to boot too Lena was not not much for publicity and kept a low profile. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. The Marines sent him to Guantnamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.[8]. 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. At 7 p.m. Sept. 17, the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band will present the free 27th John Basilone Commemorative Concert at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. I had to settle for the Army. Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. i am a proud American. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Regards Doc I Was A combat medic like my father, Thank You for thinking of Lena Basilone.She did a lot as was mentioned in my previous comments.She helped a lot of our veterans get access to services they needed. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. 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. Gotta gp get em.,during a hail of gunfire.Later in other conflicts it was knowledge I definitely needed and used, as it save my life. [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 stood up to run. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. He spoke very little about it. 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. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. [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. Thank God she had someone. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Lena never remarried. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. The younger people have never learned this and it is a strange concept to them . Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. He was shot down over the Isle de Olerun in southern france,on thwway to plaster German airfields 3 months before Normandy, he fell on 3-27-44. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. There are few like them. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. The tickets are free but . Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. 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. 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 His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. The hospital environment would have been a nightmare without her.Lena saidonce you had the best.there was no need to be involved with the rest, as she was totally faithful to John for a life time, although her time with him was brief. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Her spirit still lives on.. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. May 10, 2013!! 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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Womens symposium focuses on family unit, Sgt Lena Basilone Part Three The semi-normal, day-to-day life of a female Marine, John Basilone: Returning to the Fight After Earning Medal of Honor, Read the Signs along the Road :: Stolinsky.com | Conservative political and social commentary, Sunday Salute: Sergeant Lena Riggi Basilone Deb Sinness, Author, Follow Women Marines Association on WordPress.com, Little Marine's Journal: Why I Joined the Marine Corps, Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 1 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 2 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 3 of 6], Exercise Sudden Response 23 [Image 4 of 6], Marine 1st sergeant uses combat experience to save man hit by car, 3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15, Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel, As Ukraine highlights value of killer drones, Marine Corps wants more. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. Thank You David. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. I too am writing about her for a project in the Marines. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. . Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. I was with her as she drew her last labored breath in the ER after weeks of trying to recover from the surgery. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. January. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. God bless! If so where can I find it. 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. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. . They . The Democrat did not seek re-election for . I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. 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 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. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? 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. 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. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. The story is woven with surprising personal details. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. 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. She had a U.S. Marine Corps sign on the walker, so I asked her if she was a Marine. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. 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. Leatherneck November 1988. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. or what its supposed to be. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Larry, Thanks for doing what you are doing this. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. It may seem an unusual choice for many women, but based on what Im learning about Lenas life so farit was a perfectly natural choice for her! HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. I think she was the most selfless person. Thank you for your insights. They were both rare kind of Marines. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone / USMC (1916-1945): . Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. United States Government. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. I was never one to really say anything religious. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. America was so much better i am sure. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. 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. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. 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 know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Thanks, Dave. Lena was definitely one of a kind. They were good examples which I followed. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? They were dumb animals who wanted . 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. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Your email address will not be published. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. She had her memories of John Basilone. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. 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. I knew Lena briefly because I had to have an urgent medical problem taken care of at the VA and she helped me cut much of the red tape. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. 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. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. John Basilone's Grave. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. His love for her was her memorial. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. That was their mistake. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California.