Megan. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. I wish i could have known her. Virginia Grey is now deceased. 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. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. I wish I had an opportunity to know her more closely. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. I would think she should be buried beside John Basilone., I think Arlington has different requirements from other cemeteries. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines in the Pacific. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. This saved innumerable lives.John and Lena Basilones were legends.they contributed mightily to our victory inthe Pacific. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. God love the brothers from Nam and I never stop thinking about you guys. I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. As far as a documentary for Lena and John Basilone ,the Pacific is the only one I know of. I warmly greet. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Her spirit still lives on.. 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. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. Her life and her love is a chapter sadly left untold. I was a medic to engineers when I was in the National Guards and Engineers are over overbearing about safety. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. However, this time my sentiments were of the lives and the wonderment of them as people. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. 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 I served until 2007 and retired.I was both an aviation medic and ground medic. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. 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. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. 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. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! During her participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, US Marine Medal of Honor recipient, who was later killed on Iwo Jima. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. Your email address will not be published. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. 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. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. During Virginia's participation in WWII bond drives, she developed a close relationship with John Basilone, . The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. Although she was just. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Although she was just. They got the part absolutely right about Lena totally ignoring Johnny when they first met. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! The television show featured her as a significant character in the final episode: The Pacific Part 8: Iwo Jima: While he is training a company of recruits in the fine art of killing Japanese, Basilone meets Lena Riggi, a female Marine just turned 30 and cynical as hell about the advances of yet another lonely guy in uniform, especially a celebrity who can get the best tables at the nicest restaurants. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. It has a cost, a soldiers life. John Basilone was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Within hours of landing on Iwo Jima, where he forcibly got his men up and off the beach, Basilone was killed by an enemy mortar round at age 27. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. We, as a nation, have been blessed to have such people serving to defend us. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. 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. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. I was a medic in Desert Storm, Korea,Bosnia, and Iraq. 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. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. Lena Basilone, plus every picture I could find of her in her uniform showing her Sgt. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? I am eternal grateful for that help. HBO did a wonderful job and I wish to see more great documentarylike shows that can bring history to life. 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. John met Lena at Pendleton,it took a while because Lena was her own woman and a noncomissioned officer whe eventually attained the rank of Master Sergeant, She did not rush to John immediately as you saw in the Pacific but once she did they were head over heels for each other.John was a no nonsense Gunnery Sergeant and was very good with a machine gun and thats what got him the Congressional Medal of Honor(equivalent to a Victoria Cross). Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! I feel pontoon bridges which were being built during and after the first weakening of the main bridge should have mandated use of the pontoon bridges to save engineers lives. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. Explore John Basilone net worth, birthday, height, age, bio, salary, 2023! 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. Although she was just. "Sgt. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. 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. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). Why did she not want to be buried with or near him? Thank you? However, in John's case, something got mixed up. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. or what its supposed to be. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. 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. He spoke very little about it. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. 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! He was deployed to Guantnamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. 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. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. God bless Sgt. Thank You very much for being Lenas family. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. When the heavy .30 . Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. I did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. Hi Barbara! I would have giving anything to have met MRS Lena Basilone. 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. 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. 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. I never get tired of watching Pacific.My dad was in the Navy 22 yrs, served in the Pacific,in all the island hopping campaigns. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. 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. 1939. They were legendary icons and did their duties beyond what was required of them. This is an extraordinary piece of History. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. Basilone in his personal humility and unwavering dedication to the men who served with him, became a true hero of the American people during World War II."-John Basilone. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. You truley were a good friend to her. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. I had family in 1st Mar Div ahead of and had to join the Army in 73. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? The Life and Death of . I am affiliated with many WWII and Viet Nam vets and we never talk about what happened over there as much as you have on this forum. 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. That was their mistake. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. 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. Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. (source). WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. It's simply . Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. The gave us a lot and we appreciated their help in return as they helped us vets adjust. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. 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 had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. 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. 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Died February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima, Japan Spouse Lena Mae . 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. 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. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. Sgt. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. They both are heros of mine. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. 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. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. Are their any other books about him? Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. 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. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. Brother & Sister. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. Born on November 4, 1916 in Ruritan, New Jersey, Basilone was the six of ten children in an Italian family and would grow up as a tough young man. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. Thanks for taking care of Lena, Stella: My dad was a veteran of the Pacific. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. John Basilone. I kind of figured Lenas headsone would not be in the location it was supposed to be. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. This is what I remember about Lena. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. I suspect she feared if she was buried next to John, that might have dredged up old wounds with the family. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. 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. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. I think my Fathers generation were legends. For his selfless dedication to his country, John was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously. Its why I have the attitudes I do. RegardsDoc P.S. Hi Robin: I second what you said. I am proud to call John and Lena. Lena never remarried. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. I deserved it. Eternal be his memory . In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. 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. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. 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. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. Please call me and send your number. Thanks Robin. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. 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. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Was your father on the bridge when that occurred? His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. 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. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). Only 34 Japanese survived it. I think women can be and in many cases are better tank and infantry officers, as I have had aunts and grandmothers who were commanders in Israels Palmach.and later the Army.we now will have women NCOs too in positions of leadership they have rightly deserved. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Thank you!!! This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. I have studied the war in the Pacific. The Japanese charged the hill relentlessly, with dead Japanese soldiers serving as human bridges so that their remaining comrades could cross over the barbed wire fences near the American perimeter. My father served in the Pacific and took part in the Central Pacific and Palau campaign(Peleliu). She was very selfless.and helped without expecting anything in return. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. 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. I read the book Im staying with my boys. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. By Jeff McDonald. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. She always did things that were bigger than herself. Please feel free to email me at the address below or Alison.Bardeguez@usmc.mil, I just want to say what a beautiful story of your meeting and becoming her friend. Just thought her comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone was a bit unusual..but am beginning to see that it was instead just very much in her character. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Regards, Megan, I met Lena long after she served in the USMC. 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. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. Lena was also very prominent in veterans affairs. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. 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. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. the Germans set the charges of explosives off but they failed. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. My Uncle Dick fought and flag razed on Mount Suribaci. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? 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. Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named for him. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. I had to settle for the Army. It was so sad that they never got to spend their lives together. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. 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. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. 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. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. [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 of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. She helped a lot of vets navigate the system at LAs VA. I hope that you dont get what Im saying to you wrong Im not beating you up its just saying what Ive learned from the older Marines was the thing to do. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. 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. Though a miniseries of its own, The Pacific was created as a companion to another popular wartime miniseries by HBO: Band of Brothers, which premiered in 2001 and focused on World War II.The Pacific presents the stories of three U.S. Marine Corps members - Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone - and their experiences in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the Pacific War.
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