he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. I tried my hardest through the years to get Lena to consent to be buried in Arlington Natioal Cemetary with her Johnny. . Correction here: No such thing as a MOH winner. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. She one of a kind,who we may never see the likes of again. 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. 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. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . 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. John stood up to run. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. Thank you both for your service to the greatest nation in the world. Whether Geneva convention rules exist or not, you use weapons or do what it take to win.. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. My father was on Peleiliu as a medic and thats what I think spooked him and he finished the war in Hawaii. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. 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. 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. 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. 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. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. Doc Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. She deserves it all! [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]. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. 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!) Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. On one occasion I drove Lena to Camp Pendleton for a celebration of the Womens Marine Corp. 60th anniversary, (I think it was 60) It was so great seeing how she was honored and revered by the young lady Marines. God Bless Lena and John Basilone our heroes. She belongs at Arlington. [8] After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army. Many airmens lives were saved as a result because fighter escort was there too to shepard the bombers that went to Japan. They both are heros of mine. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. Ive watched the HBO series several times. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. I do miss her to this day. Her favorite framed picture of Johnny always sat looking at her from atop her TV! Although she was just. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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]. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC". What an amazing lady. In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. I served as a medic for most of Army career of 33 1/2 yrs and would not have missed it for the world. According to the funeral . Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Doc..thanks for the reply. 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. Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. 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. 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 . 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 . The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. [9][10] As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor 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 Iwo Jima. The date was February 19, 1945. I guess we all have our way to remember those important to us. Most people are very selfish in life and I find that time and life itself are the most valuable things. But she always contended it would be too much trouble. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. They were good examples which I followed. Naval Service.[11]. I had to settle for the Army. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. I especially loved the story about Manila John and Sgt Lena! I have been trying to find you. Lena was a pioneer Marine and very dedicated both to the Corps and to John. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. They . This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. The story is woven with surprising personal details. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Some were there when I wanted to to be a Marines,and the rules said I could not be one. I served from Dec 73 to Jun 2007 in the Army and Air Force. So he couldnt have possibly made the best coffee she ever had. Still, its a good part of the story consider that may very well have been the reaction of some parents upon discovering their daughter was joining the Marine Corps. 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. She died in 1999 and was buried wearing her wedding ring. I was treated a few times at the VA facility in Long Beach where Lena helped get a lol of us through the system at the hospital. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! 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. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. While you and your familys service is gratefuly appreciated, as a vietnam vet I have never talked or disscused voluntarily my service time as much as you seem to be inclined to do. Japan two hours of early warning of raids. Also, just as deeply in awe of Johns heroism, his ultimate sacrifice, and Lenas continued devotion to him for over 50 years. She helped veterans thru the hospital maze at LA VA.Both Audie Murphy and John Basilone were soldiers who we will never see their likes again.Toghetje both these women gave immeasurable service to veterans and made sure we got what we needed.Lena served her Marine corps with distiinction and a pride which established the standard of what Marines needed to aspire to be. It is the blood of John and those who served that binds the mortar of the foundation of the greatest nation ever! She was never accepted by Johns family, as if she had taken him away from them. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. When the heavy .30 . Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. He became a doctor and served his community well. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. I then years later caught the Gulf war, Korea, Bosnia and Iraq. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. I have 8 combat campaigns from Vietnam era to Iraq.It was my frame of combat reference.. In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. For the next seven months, they made the best of their time together before Basilone left for Iwo Jima with his regiment. Legacy. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. God Bless, her and her husband!!!! Leatherneck November 1988. Take care, SSG RickDoc Borenstein,US Army Medical Dept, (ret). It also is sad that Lena had a short time with John. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. Another USS John Basilone is [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. I wish i was around then. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. John Basilone. John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. Memorial day is coming upon us fast and its time to remember those we lost, and those who gave back much to veterans as did Lena. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Neither did they want to include she was the wife of Gunnery Sgt. NOTHING would have been too much trouble for me, but I honored her wishes to have her buried in the National Cemetary in Riverside, Ca. 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 father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. Death At Iwo Jima 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. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. I am a huge fan of him and his wife. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Having Served 21 years of Active Duty from 1970 to 1992. They are soldiers with a purpose, soldiers who are tough, and agree with marine message that they are the best, the toughest, and will take on and complete any mission handed them. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. and we lost fewer soldiers because of better medical. Lena was a person who lived life with a low profile and she was laid to rest in Riverside countys VA cemetery. Wow! I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. 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. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. 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. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. December 26, 2022 by Robin. For his heroism there, he was awarded the Navy. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. What a debt we owe to that generation. They were only married 7 months when John fell in battle within 2-4 hours of hitting the beach. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Sad they didnt have children. She gave to his family to not be selfish and share. He was one of a family of ten children. 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. 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 was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. I have learned about what my dad and other Marines did through other Marines and Soldiers.who served with him. 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 has a cost, a soldiers life. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Madly in love by all accounts from their time at Camp Pendleton, Lena and John would enjoy just seven months as husband and wife before John's fateful landing on Red Beach II of Iwo Jima in February 1945. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. I tried your church and they had nothing and various places and people in Ca,You were so important to Aunt Lena. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. This is what I remember about Lena. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. Please call me and send your number. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. I have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: The were either Green Berets or medics, a supply clerk and even grunts. 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. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: 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 Gracias, amiga! Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. I have studied the war in the Pacific. 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. (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. John taught me to lead my medics well and to take care of them as he did his Marines. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? If possible I would like to speak with you about setting up an introduction so that his niece can speak with you. I wish i could have known her. The tickets are free but . I claim nothing in this video. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. 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 have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. 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. 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. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. I am proud to call John and Lena. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. 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. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. 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. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. God bless! Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. John's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. 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. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. P.S. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Lena never forgot us and took care of us. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. Wife of John Basilone. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. My dad was in the Pacific on Guam, the Marshalls and Peleliu. God bless Lena and John in as they are together in the World without end. They had been married for 7.3 months. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. I deserved it. Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. 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. Thanks Robin. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. . He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. 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. Fortunately, I have known a lot of Lenas who I served with. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. She was a patriotic American to the core!! Its not a contest to receive one. They finally agreed to wife of Sgt.John Basilone. He was sent home to sell. The Remagen bridge commanders I think forgot about safety, which at that time the bridge was needed to get men and equipment into Germany to sustain the offensive they started. But he was very persistent !! 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.