She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of Marines John and Lena Virginia Grey - nndb.com Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. 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. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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. What would make someone cut the connection so completely, yet state that she had the best?, Miss she had the man he was worth more than any material thing she had and her memory of him was enough for her. Another USS John Basilone is scheduled for commission in 2019. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. Death At Iwo Jima The heart broken widow bride - History of Sorts Basilone fought. She loved him very much. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . Its a warm joy to read the postings here. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. John Basilone Biography - USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 By Jeff McDonald. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Donald F. Basilone (1929-2022) - monumento Find a Grave GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the next few days. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. 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. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. To me John was a legend whose legacy will not be matched for a long time. Thanks for posting her story. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. He was an Army NCO in his mind. , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. He was sent home to sell. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. After her funeral I had copies of their wedding picture made and sent to those who attended and left their addresses (I sent other things also, but cant remember exactlynow that I am 80!) All that being said THANK YOU for your service and I am truly happy and grateful that you returned home, MAY GOD BLESS YOU and your family. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. 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. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol."[8]. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. 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. 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. John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. 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]. What an amazing lady. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack At first they did not want to acknowledge Lena had the rank of Sgt. 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. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Barbara Garner. 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. He was one of a family of ten children. 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. I pray for all of them. He became a doctor and served his community well. I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. [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 Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. God bless! Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. You truley were a good friend to her. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. 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. Brother & Sister. Once again, Basilone would be leading Marines in combat with the Japanese as a machine gun section leader. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. John Basilone whom she was aware of. [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. 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! Although she was just. It's simply . 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 I do miss her to this day. Was never properly entered into her service records. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: 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. Thank You David. It was great. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. She is truely my hero as well as her husband. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. End note 456 reads: [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status.