However, in my research: Ive discovered several factual errors in the miniseries re: the episodes showing the courtship of John and Lena. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. 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. Parents Salvatore and Theadora Basilone. She helped get us through the system and see that our needs were met at the facility. On December 8, 1941, she went to go shopping. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. 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. He did things bigger than himself and didnt want the limelight. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. According to the funeral . I missed the mini-series The Pacific so Im going to have to find a DVD. Their work will not be forgotten by all who were in contact with them. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Regards, David, I still dont understand Lenas comment about not wanting to be a bother to anyone and NOT be buried near her husband to be quite strange. He served as a medic like I did and later became a doctor. Thanks Robin. 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. 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. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. Thank God she had someone. In my mind from what I have learned about Peleiu it was a blood affair on both sides. John Basilone: An article in Monday's Calendar section about John Basilone, whose death on Iwo Jima was marked on the HBO series "The Pacific," described him as a Congressional Medal of. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. After Gable's third wife, Carole Lombard, died in 1942 and he returned from military service in 1944, he and Virginia were often seen at restaurants and nightclubs together. 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. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. A very young, excited female Marine escorted her to the front of the room to cut the ceremonial cake! I loved the movie Pacific and i felt horrible when he died so young after they were married. GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. 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. They were good examples which I followed. She was as fun, compassionate and loving as she was tough. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. . I love my Vietnam compadres and family. We also appreciated the material contributions you made to the war effort.As medics, my father and I kept many people alive when injured but we also kept them up mentally and maintained their health. My hero as well as her husband. This is how I remember those who were vets like my dad and friends including my oldest sister. My I lost an uncle who flew a B24. Thank you for your insights. I do miss her to this day. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. RegardsDoc P.S. Barbara Garner. John Basilone Section 12, Grave 384 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. The saddest days of my life were seeing Lenas normally fighting spirit wane after her surgery. I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. Famous Hookups; Nav; Celebrities. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, he met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Regards,Doc, Robin: I second a lot of Pauls comments. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. It was the only one standing as the 9th Division approached and crossed it. G-d keep us always in palm of your hand and love us always. Peleliu,Iwo Jima,Guadalcanal,New Britian,and Okinawa were among the toughest campaigns in tough conditions to fight.We had tough during VietNam with equal intensity.I marvel at these heroes, who adapted and overcame very tenacious and determined to die foes.This miniseries told it like it was. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. I served 33 1/2 years from the Vietnam Era to Iraq.. Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. Came here because I just saw the 8th Episode of The Pacific. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. I had to settle for the Army. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. She belongs at Arlington. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. I am not the Richard who posted this excellent comment. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. I wish i was around then. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. The Basilones are a happy loving couple for the eternity. 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. 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. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). 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. Japan lost a key advantage of giving 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). In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. [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. Military units comprising the Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) participated in Exercis []. I think it will improve the militarys ability to fight. Regardless of Service Branch, we all, will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters that only we can understand. 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!!! While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. she had a positive impact on my life.. Lena left a positive legendary mark upon us, Hi Sabrina!! Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. : My dad was the same way even though. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. He is one of the reasons why I joined the Marine Corp! To Ssg Rick doc Borenstein almost every comment by you has included you and your family participation in various wars. He became a doctor and served his community well. My god she was a hero as well as her husband. The tickets are free but . He was one of a family of ten children. Lena was a very strong woman. I found your blog by chance and thoroughly enjoyed this article about Lena. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. i am a proud American. Shirt sleeves rolled up and of course the regulation short hair in hairnets!! We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. 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. We spoke once, I am Lena Riggi BAsilones niece, Lost your number in Computer world of storms. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. Lena was raised in my hometown of Portland, OR. At that time women were not accepted in a mans world in the military at that time. She was buried at a VA National Cemetery in Riverside, California wearing her wedding ring, having turned down being . Eternal be his memory . John Basilone. This is what Memorial Day or Decoration Day is all about. I am amazed that they kept their mental sanity, but did suffer from PTSD as I do. Lena Basilone ran an extremely well regarded mess hall and led her Marines. She did have beautiful soft natural slightly curly hair, and she kept it short.. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. Are their any other books about him? 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. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. 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. 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. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. I am a child of the Vietnam era and I was shaped by those soldiers who fought in Vietnam and adapted to them. 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. BASILONE'S sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. She had her memories of John Basilone. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. She loved him very much. Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. Thank You Robin, Hi Robin and Barbara:I was recently out to my old home at Anaheim. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Robin: Ask Barbara About what Lena said I dont want to bother anyone because she was like a daughter to Lena. Sad they didnt have children. I think it is what spooked him from combat. I have been trying to find you. 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. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. I think you went through a tougher ringer than I did with exception for Iraq. 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. Basilone's wife, Lena Mae, never remarried. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . She helped many veterans at the VA Medical center where she lived. I am not nor have ever been a member of the American Armed forces. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. 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 have learned that Lena was a strong willed woman which made her what she was. 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!) She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. You truley were a good friend to her. Regards, SSG, Rick R. Doc Borenstein. Only 34 Japanese survived it. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. I thought I would share some of the information I have found on Lena Basilone, it's not much, but here it is. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. We talked about her experiences. She had made peace with her loss alone, without receiving any compassion from them. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. To my knowledge, Lena never had long hair and I dont think in those days it was allowed by the WMS. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. I wish i could have known her. Lena Basilone teachs me a lot even after she is gone from our presence. What a shame she is not buried with her husband. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Doc..thanks for the reply. I knew of her by reputation as did other veterans. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. and for the families they left behind.. I agree, Lena was a loyal wife to a great Marine! She had much empathy for every veteran. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. Again, Lena Basilone was in a league of her own and very much ahead of her time. She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. 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. 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. 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. 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. Thank you, to the Sergeants Basilone for their service, and may God have united you again in heaven. 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. The Women Marines Association (WMA) Emergency Grants provide financial assistance to active duty or Veterans who are facing unexpected financial crises. January. Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? . Medal of Honor citation. 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. 22 daily Regards, Doc Thats why I talk about so others are not misinformed by the media, or teachers, Paul. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. My dad was in the Peleliu campaign as part of the US Armys 81st Division who finished the campaign at Angaur, a neighboring island. I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! John Basilone is a Marine Corps legend. I knew Lean briefly due to my dealings with the VA in Long Beach. I saw how ugly war gets, but I was a medic who had to be there to minimize the suffering of both sides. Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place. I hope in some small measure I brought honor to Lena. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. It created gut feelings about enemy presence and it wasnt wrong on many occasions. I salute her, Ms. Garner: I saw the PACIFIC documentary. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. I have found that the movie industry gets some aspects of Lenas actual life facts wrong. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.