In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. A strong woman of her duty to the Marine Corps and steadfast in her love of a man and not the legend. I think it is what spooked him from combat. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. The service teachs you to do things bigger than yourself. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. This is an extraordinary piece of History. Basilone, a member of the U.S. Marines, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action . By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. May they rest in peace. The military's standard procedure is to notify the family before the media. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo.
did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. 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. 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. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. 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. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. The Democrat did not seek re-election for . I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died 11-06-1999, aged 86, in Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, USA and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! Sad they didnt have children. . Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. Thank You Robin. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Lena was a very strong woman. 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. 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. She was buried at Riverside National Cemetary at her request. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. This is what I remember about Lena. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony.
John Basilone - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia I learned from others like uncles, friends and comrades. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. 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 . We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. What a debt we owe to that generation. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. I had to settle for the Army. 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 served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . "They weren't even men anymore. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. I write this with tears streaming as I think about the years of fun we shared together. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. 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. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Womens Marine Association, the American Veterans Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Naval Service.[11]. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . 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. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. Ca.. She had her memories of John Basilone. Doc..thanks for the reply. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. We need everyone on the line. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. 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. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! 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. It was great. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. She always did things that were bigger than herself. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. I know she would enrich my life. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. (source). Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors for his bravery. 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. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Thats typical. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . May 10, 2013!! Regards, They both are heros of mine. 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. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. 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. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. 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. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. The Marines and Army suffered over 10000 casualities.. Just three days after Lenas death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway. I have been trying to find you. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. On October 24, 1942, John Basilone was supporting the war effort in the Lunga Area. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. 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.. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. Im writing a piece on Lena Basilone, I am a Marine and have been looking to speak with people that could share stories about Lena, and her life of love, friendship and her service to veterans after the Marine Corps. [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. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. . Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. Doc 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. Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. 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. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. I am eternal grateful for that help. Thank you? Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on.
Donald F. Basilone (1929-2022) - monumento Find a Grave She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them.
Peter J. Basilone, 78, Balto. Co. register - Baltimore Sun Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. My hero as well as her husband. 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. Barbara Garner. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. 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. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. Medal of Honor citation. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. John was a legend as was Lena.Beleive you me Lena is at peace. Thanks for posting her story. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . The story is woven with surprising personal details. 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. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. She is interviewing Iwo Jima Marines and those who knew her Uncle. So Ive been doing some research of my own. These drones can remain airborne until a target is identified at which point they set a course for that target and go out in a blaze of glory. Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. 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]. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. 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! 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. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY.
Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone - Women Marines Association However, in John's case, something got mixed up. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. There are few like them. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. 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.
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