John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. Wow! The price of freedom is not cheap. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . RegardsDoc P.S. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Lena earned the right to be buried next to John. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. The memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held since 1981. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. I wish i was around then. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. The . . If so where can I find it. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. My father was a medic,like me. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. 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. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. I served for 34 years nearly and the others did service from 4-30 years.I definitely appreciate what family did in Vietnam. I am confident that they have been reunited and are now able to enjoy the chance to be together forever that the war took away from them. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. The Life and Death of . God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! I am amazed that many men did come out psychologically scarred, having no treatment.but still got their live together to function and cope To me Lenas generation was a very strong one. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. Doesnt make sense to me at all, along with returning his medal of honor and insurance to his family. i am a proud American. 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. She remained married to her hero for the rest of her life . 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. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. Please let me know. May 10, 2013!! The tickets are free but . 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. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. I wish i could have known her. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. 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 . I caught heck from Mom for not writing. 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. I am proud to be a citizen from the same country, USA, as these two remarkable people and salute their service and sacrifices. 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. Regards,SSg RickDoc Borenstein Ret. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. 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. 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. Amen. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Required fields are marked *. or what its supposed to be. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. 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 know one person who could answer this question better than me. 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. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. and for the families they left behind.. 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. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. She was a patriotic American to the core!! They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. 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 would love to know if anyone knows of someone or is the person who knew Lena or even John or both while they served. 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. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. It the untold storys you eventually get to hear that you never forget Im so glad that this was shared, Marie: Lena was the pioneer for what the post WWII Marine corps would be today.Women are playing a vital role in what occurs in the modern USMC today. 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. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. . 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. My dad fought in the Peleliu campaign. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. 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. It has a cost, a soldiers life. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. End note 456 reads: The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Doc God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. They were good examples which I followed. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. She always appeared and acted much younger than her actual age. Lena too lived a life of service Helping many veterans. Brother & Sister. It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. I just have very much respect for both John and Lena for making the personal sacrifice, and for John making the ultimate sacrifice. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: December 26, 2022 by Robin. 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. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. Was never properly entered into her service records. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. [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]. [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. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . I grew up learning all about both of them.The Marines were blessed to have these soldiers.This is why we are a free country by their mere presence She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. 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. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. When the heavy .30 . Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. By Jeff McDonald. 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. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . To The Altamirano Family: Lena Basilone was a Marine who was in a league of her own.She along with another Medal Of Honor winners husband Terry Murphy the wife of Audie Murphy helped alot of veterans get what they needed from the Veterans Administration.To me the Basilones were both legendary heroes.My father and I were combat medics. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. 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!) I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. I thank you for you service and recognize what you did for us soldiers Respectfully,SSG.RichardDocBorenstein(Retired) Combat Medic, Welcome David: My name is SSG RickDoc Borenstein I served in the US Army from 1973-2007 and retired. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. Semper Fi. 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. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II. I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. 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!!! A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Uncompromising with her conversations. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. The Army for many years was their home and that was all they knew.Their dedication to our country made us what we are today.To me John and Lena Basilone are larger than life legends to me. I sometimes wonder how my family members who fought on Peleliu,Okinawa, and Iwo Jima fought on an island cemetery,the constant artillery and mortar fire, and combat. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Legacy. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. My mother was a lot like Lena. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. 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 Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. 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. Only 34 Japanese survived it. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. care.If that helps you. 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. [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 am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? 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. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. The Greatest Generation. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. Gracias, amiga! Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. He was one of a family of ten children. 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. I was so happy for them both when they got married. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. 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. 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! Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. 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. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Lena as a dear and precious friend of mine. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? We spent many, many hours together and even though her Johnny had been killed many years before she had a way of talking about him that made me feel I knew him personally. 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. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. [2] He was the sixth of ten children. God bless! My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Hope you were able to get the Pacific series. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. She had much empathy for every veteran. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. According to the funeral . 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. I deserved it. 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]. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. 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 The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. 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. He along with many Marines fought like tigercats on that island.Eugene Sledge,Robert Leckie,and RV Burgin were heroes of that island .I too took part during the Vietnam era in combat in Korea(limited basis),Desert Storm,Bosnia(peacekeeper)and Iraq.The war of my father and the Marines was a much more intense combat.Those men rose to the occassion espeically John Basilone at Guadalcanal.