john basilone wife death

A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. 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. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. I was never one to really say anything religious. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. 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. 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. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. John Basilone's Grave. He spoke very little about it. Again it was my privilege to be with Lena during the sad days of her battles with congestive heart failure, the many calls for paramedics, the many trips to the ER. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Medal of Honor citation. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. 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 . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. God bless Sgt. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. 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. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. I also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. But he was very persistent !! 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. Death At Iwo Jima While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). care.If that helps you. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. I have been trying to find you. My mother was a lot like Lena. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! 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. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. "Sgt. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. We talked about her experiences. Semper Fi. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. So Ive been doing some research of my own. I have a flag and it has the names of family and friends named on it. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. I served in 5 combat deployments. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. [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. . I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. 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]. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. She loved him very much. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. The price of freedom is not cheap. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? I think their story is wonderful, and I am honoring our heritage as women in the Marines and her service to our nation by writing about the lost story of her life. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Your email address will not be published. The bridge at Remagen , as known as the Luddendorf bridge named after the WW I general, Eric Ludenddorf, it was a railroad bridge. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. 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. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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. I am eternal grateful for that help. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. She must have been a great marine. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. 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. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Was never properly entered into her service records. #ww2 The Pacific (2010)The Pacific Box Set - https://amzn.to/2War1EEThe Pacific: Hell Was an Ocean Away (Book) - https://amzn.to/3mbQg3WLink to main channel . (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. I pray for all of them. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. End note 456 reads: Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. I warmly greet. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. I believe they had no further contact with her. A piece of their son to cling to , to assuage their pain . They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. 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. I myself was never able to enlist or join any branch of the service due to many medical issues, but I had tried many times. The tickets are free but . Stella. 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. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. She did many things that were bigger than herself.including returning Johns medal of honor to his family, well as his insurance.Lena was in charge of her life as well as her marines she served with.To me and other she is a legend in a league of her own and many women Marines I have know are the same way.Lena was definetly her own person, if that helps you understand her. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). (Thats my VietNam). On the night of Oct. 24, 1942, on the island of Guadalcanal, a Japanese regiment of 3,000 troops attacked a handful of Marines, including Sergeant Basilone. 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. Hi Robin: I second what you said. 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. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. May they rest in peace. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. 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. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. It is something the infantry appreciates or as grunts.Barbara Garner knew her best.My father and a lot of my uncles served in the Pacific as pilots, medics ,and grunts, one was a coxswain on the LCVPs or Higgins boats.. John Basilone (04 November 1916 to 19 February 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honour 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 .

How To Cook Water Buffalo Topside, I Feel Bugs Crawling On Me In Bed, 2003 St John's Basketball Roster, What Does No Monoclonal Protein Detected Mean, How Much Is Bond For Domestic Violence In Michigan, Articles J