Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) Semper Fi. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. I know that she and her husband are together today as they have been since her death. 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. John Basilone. It wasnt until The Pacific miniseries came out that we realized Lena lived in Riverside and had we known we could have contacted her. War was fought with the idea that you do what you must do to win. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. Others fought at Peleliu and Okinawa.These soldiers endured a war likes of which I hope is not repeated, but I am pessimistic with this assessment in todays world right now..HBO actually brought this very unpublicized area of WW II alive. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. Lena always had her wallet full of Johnnys pictures. . Thats a hard thing to take, but she took it and carried on. RegardsDoc P.S. My mother was a lot like Lena. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. I am so proud to be from a military family. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. I think this battlespooked him. I know one person who could answer this question better than me. he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. 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!) It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! 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. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. I finally got to see the Pacificand I was just blown away! He rarely talked about WW2 like a lot of other vets. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. I have been a combat veteran from the Vietnam era to Iraq. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. Gracias, amiga! These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. January. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. We did our jobs and what were asked to do. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. JOHN BASILONE OBITUARY. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. 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. "Sgt. . Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. Maybe a bio or maybe a fictionalized with fact sort of book ala Alex Haileys Rootsbut we shall see what we shall see. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. 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. Ms Barbara Garner: I am a retired Army medic. 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. Widowed Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on 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. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. I guess she told her friend Barbara that she didnt want to bother anyone which is silly. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. She deserves it all! I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. I served in 5 combat deployments. 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. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? Basilone so deeply loved only makes that respect more profound. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 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. She must have been a great marine. Chuck Tatum who survived Iwo Jima. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . 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. 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. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . John Basilone was not only a good machine gun platoon sergeant, He knew how to use machine guns,maintain them and teach others to do the same, like Steve Evenson who fell on Iwo Jima and his buddy May 10, 2013!! Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. And I hope that in some small way I brought joy to her life, I know she enriched mine ! If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. A colossal critical and commercial failure, it essentially marked the end of Hunter's career as a major Hollywood player. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. Jesse:Do not ever feel disappointed that you could not serve.We volunteered as did the Basilones. She got so excited around Christmas when it was time to get gifts together to take to the wounded war heroes!! I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. 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. I think the I dont want to be a bother remark reflected the reported poor treatment she received from Basilones family. Virginia Grey is now deceased. 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. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! Sgt Lena sounds like a very strong and amazing woman. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. 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. 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. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. "They weren't even men anymore. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. I knew of only one other like her,Terry Murphy Audie Murphys wife.,he died in 1971. I pray for all of them. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. 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. 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. 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! Semper Fi Doc(Yes,like my dad Im a medic too), Does anyone know what was behind her comment related to possible burial for herself at Arlington National Cemetery I do not want to be a bother to anyone ? I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. Sergeant John Basilone's legacy is one of the most expansive and visible in Marine Corps history. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. Just watched the TV series The Pacific here in Cape Town, South Africa, during lockdown. To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Quite a story. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. Thank you for your insights. 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. I just watched HBO's The Pacific episode 7, it was great, tons of action. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Thank You David. 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's wife, Lena, originally from Oregon, remained in California after John's death and never remarried. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. : http://www.facebook.com/groups/10868541353/. Thank God she had someone. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Please let me know. Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 . She was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. I wished he didnt go back to war but he was truly a hero and great marine. 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. My uncles Dwight, Gil and Corky fought on Iwo. 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. Thanks for the kind words. My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. 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!!! 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. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. As long as we have a Navy, there should be a fighting ship honoring his name! I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Marine's heroism gave him legendary status. She was a patriotic American to the core!! I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. What I have learned about John Basilone has been influential on how I did my job as an NCO. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. He became a doctor and served his community well. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. She made an effort to reconcile with them after the war when she visited and presented to the family Johns Medal of Honor. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. Lena Basilone and the Women Marines. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. 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. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I am glad that someone stepped in to be family for her. 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. She had much empathy for every veteran. Regards, I again support Lenas generation and love what she did. 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. 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. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. 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. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. You know the the part when theyre having breakfast and where John says its incredible about what can happen over a cup of coffee? Yes, Id say the operative word there is incredible considering that Lenas father and mother had both passed away by the time Lena had enlisted in 1943. Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. . [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. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. 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. The civilian man initially had no pulse, and bystanders told the Marine they assumed he was dead. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. 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. 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. They both are heros of mine. John Basilone. My generation followed their example and I think its why I survived 5 conflicts with mild to moderate PTSD. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. 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]. The price of freedom is not cheap. 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. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. 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. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Doc I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. My cousins, and two uncles fought there and I learned quickly what Vietnam was about. My uncle Murray a medic did duty with the USMC and Army on Okinawa, My other uncle Dwight did a week on Iwo Jima before he was wounded twice and got oft the Island. What a debt we owe to that generation. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. Both Eisenhower and Patton wanted to keep on the heels of the Germans, which supposedely justified using the Remagen Bridge. What an amazing lady. We were both combat medics and had extra duties our units needed including water purification and distribution. I do miss her to this day. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I am a huge fan of him and his wife. Later, untold number of Japanese lives would be spared too. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. Her spirit still lives on.. As a combat veteran myself it was extremely realistic and told what it was like. My father was a medic,like me. I wish i was around then. 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. As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. 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. I rate the Pacific at about 95% correct. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. We need everyone on the line. 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 Another USS John Basilone is Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. I caught the tail end of it when we had to get our ADA missiles out of there. 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). Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. VERY fascinating story about both Gy Basilone and Sgt Lena. The young people in our church adored her even though she was tough with them. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Basilone died before he and his new wife had time to have children. 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. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. [21] His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Regards, SSg Rick Doc Borenstein ret, US Army Medical Dept. When the heavy .30 . : My dad was the same way even though.

The Theory Of Delinquent Subculture Was First Articulated By, Articles J