I am eternal grateful for that help. I wish i could have known her. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. Thank God she had someone. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. Thanks for the kind words. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. The Death of "Manila John" Basilone. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. I miss Lena even it was a brief time I knew her .Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein Ret, Hi Barbara, After seeing pacific and reading about John Basilone i have so much admiration for the both of them. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. 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. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. 75 years after, my heart had broke. . She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. 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. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. After receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal, Marine Corps legend GySgt John Basilone fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. Her spirit still lives on.. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to 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. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. My family is most Army AF Navy and yes Marines. Remembering the ultimate Marine, John Basilone, on Memorial Day He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. 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. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. John stood up to run. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. 70th Anniversary of the Death of John Basilone - Raritan Online Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. 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. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. The Pacific: How Much Of John Basilone's Story Really Happened 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. One must remember that Sgt Basilone volunteer to return to battle which he did not have too being a MOH recipient. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. 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. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. 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. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. 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]. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 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! Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. Sad they didnt have children. She loved him very much. Remembering John Basilone, Medal of Honor, USMC Guadalcanal The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. care.If that helps you. 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. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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 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 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. I just saw this site today for the first time. 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. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. The story is woven with surprising personal details. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima - by Marc Lancaster - Substack Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. The tickets are free but . She was an incredible human being and an even better marine, but before posting an article make sure you watch the entire series there were 2 more episodes after your supposed conclusion. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery Through smoke and screaming and the crush of mortar fire, John Basilone never faltered. I have seen what they went through and it mirrors my own combat experiences,5 deployments worth.since 1991 to 2007.Lena Basilone and John were my heros and did their jobs to what they knew was their best. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. The . The price of freedom is not cheap. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Hi Barbara! However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. 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. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. She lived in California, worked for the electric company, and volunteered to serve in several organizations related to Marine. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. 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 . This N.J town has a sister in Italy, thanks to a WWII hero My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. What a debt we owe to that generation. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. I think my Fathers generation were legends. Virginia Grey and John Basilone | Married Divorced Children Ex He was an Army NCO in his mind. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. Att.net mail login | | Where commons rule The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? John Basilone Obituary (1956 - 2023) - Legacy Remembers I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. Basilone, [] Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Semper Fi. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. 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. 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. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. 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 did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org She had her memories of John Basilone. . One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. Legacy. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. I love my Vietnam compadres and family. John Basilone - Military Wiki | Fandom [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. They were both rare kind of Marines. The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine Required fields are marked *. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. Sgt. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John R Basilone of Pemberton, New Jersey, who passed away on February 5, 2023, at the age of 66, leaving to mourn family and friends. (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. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. [1] His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy and settled in Raritan.