It was my joy and privilege to be able to stay with her often in her home, to drive her for outings, groceries, shopping, doctor appointments or out to lunch or supper. If so where can I find it. And your efforts have been repaid many times over I am sure, by those who now know more about her. He met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, while . She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. 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. I appreciate Barbara Garners knowledge of Lena because I think she is a daughter to Lena.
Who was John Basilone? - Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. 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 had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? They exhibited little gratitude when she gave the family the medal and insurance proceeds. Thank you? War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. This is an extraordinary piece of History. John Basilone's passing at the age of 66 on Sunday, February 5, 2023 has been publicly announced by Bradley and Stow Funeral Home in Medford, NJ. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. On her 32nd birthday she receive word of Johns death on Iwo Jima.He was one of the many who laid their lives down for not only fellow Marines, but also for US Army airmen in crippled B29s who could not return to the Mariana Island base and would have had to face the perils of the Pacific. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. 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. She was such a compassionate, no nonsense, spirited lady. Lena had an important job, seeing that the mess hall efficiently functioned ,and providing good food to keep up morale.This is what Lena was all about. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Its why I have the attitudes I do. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. I think this battlespooked him. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine!
Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I reluctantly want to fight wars but as a medic we are needed to ease the suffering and save lives, Hi SGT Rick, i love everything about the greatest generation.
7 Surprising Facts About the HBO Miniseries The Pacific - warhistoryonline Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 - July 31, 2004) was an American actress who appeared in over 100 films and a number of radio and television shows from the 1930s to the early 1980s. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. I just saw this site today for the first time. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. I know through history lessons and though reading many books that John Basilone had done exactly what I would have done if given the chance. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. . The Basilone Family and Raritan Learns of John's Death.
Vera Keller | The Pacific Wiki | Fandom I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave. Charles "Check" Tatum. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? 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. 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. care.If that helps you. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment.
John Basilone - Arlington National Cemetery She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. I am at least a 3rd generation medic. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. 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. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Thanks Robin. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself.
Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. According to the funeral . I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. 2023.03.03 20:19 bolavitaslots BolavitaSlot Daftar Situs Slots Deposit Bank Lampung No.1 Indonesia I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Although the Veterans Administration offered to bury Lena in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, she refused the offer saying she didnt want to cause trouble for anyone. John Basilone MoH. 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. Thank God she had someone. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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 Thank you for your insights. I am very moved and I thank all the American soldiers who fought the cruel war in the Pacific and here in our Europe. I claim nothing in this video. 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. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. 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 also had the chance to tell her about Sgt. Are their any other books about him? She deserves it all! "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. John Basilone killed at Iwo Jima Marc Lancaster Feb 19, 2022 1 Among the approximately 300,000 Americans killed in action in World War II, John Basilone's death on Feb. 19, 1945 holds a unique place in the history of the conflict. 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. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. 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. His love for her was her memorial. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . 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 Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. 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 were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. 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]. If Gy Basilone, one of the greatest Marines who ever lived, had respect for a Woman Marine enough to marry one, then they need to show respect, too!
Virginia Grey - Biography - IMDb As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. Japan lost a key advantage of giving Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. . I ran into her at the Long beach veterans amdinisitration hospital and she helped through the bureaucratic maze and was with me the entire day,I have never forgottten her. I will also remember Audie L. Murphys wife Terrry along with Lena who helped us wounded vets navigate through the VA system and get the help we needed. I met her sometime in 1986 when she visited our church and we became instant friends. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! 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 . When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Please feel free to email me at Alison.bardeguez@usmc.mil. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? Brother & Sister.
did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org John Basilone: The Marine Hero of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima I love my Vietnam compadres and family. 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. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. I see that your family had a lot of marines and sailors, as are some members of my family. Hi Robin: I second what you said. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. Thanks for the kind words. 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 always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: By Jeff McDonald. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. Was never properly entered into her service records.
"The Pacific" Basilone (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. December 26, 2022 by Robin. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? This is what I remember about Lena. [4], Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934[4] and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. 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.