I think this battlespooked him. Women recently won an important victory, they now can be combat arms officers. 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. 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. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. May God Bless John and Lena Basilone. I still feel that Lena was a marine that was tough as nails. 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. Lena saw to it that I got the care I needed that day and helped me work through the system there. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. As I have commented she was a LEGEND as was John. My intrest was to watch what my two Uncles had gone through as they were in all those battles amongst all the Marines. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? 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. She even said when you had the best,who wants the rest especially after John was killed at Iwo Jima. She was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after him, the USS Basilone, and she participated in its christening ceremony: Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ships sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. WowI just started reading Im Staying With My Boys, the book about her husband. She was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) care.If that helps you. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. The Marines were vastly outnumbered and under-gunned and had the dubious task of defending the most important airfield in the South Pacific. Thank you for your comments.My father and your fathers dedicated service in the Pacific will not be forgotten by me.The Basilones John and Lena were legends. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! His relatives basked in his reflected glory due to his MOH and widely reported heroism. Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to. Its great to learn more about the people behind the name. I served from 73-2007 Vietnam era to Iraq. Lena Basilone, wife of Sgt. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. 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. 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. 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. I wish she could see, hear and read the admiration so many have for her. She remained active with the Women's Marine Association and died in June 1999 at 86 years of age. My mom had me and cousins who served over the years in the US and Israeli military. Keep up the good work Women Marines Association! I know one person who could answer this question better than me. It was great. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 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, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. . Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . The only thing I really knew about Basilone was the road that cuts through Camp Pendleton. She was a Marine, so she already earns much respect. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. 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. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. 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. I guess they are upstairs with the Lord, living in the cabin. 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 . I do not think man will ever exorcise the demons of war.I dont feel that the future holds a lot encouraging movement for ridding us of war. Your email address will not be published. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. . GOD bless you, and thank you for evidently just being you. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. There are no words to describe this amazing lady. I hope that eventually she will be interned with her husband. I didnt write for periods up to 1 month. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. It has the picture of him like the statue they made of him in his hometown. I was there when at over 80 years of age the doctor decided to do heart bypass surgery. Only fitting that they be together, (2 marines) who on earth will be angry for such an act. May they rest in peace. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. She loved him very much. 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. Oh, my, it must have been terrible for her. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. They fought the war professionally and with great courage and valor.Their service shall always honored and remembered. From what I have learned about her from you and others Lena was a very independent woman. 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. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. 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. We were proud to do this.You make our sacrifices bearable. If any of you served with or knew Lena please let me know. I am proud to speak to a member of John and Lenas family, Hi Vera, are you a relative of SGT Basilone? In fact if you talk to many who are still alive they will tell you they do not enjoy having that reminder but they respect the award and that is that. , Brad Garrett Wife Height, Is A Mobile Home Considered Real Property In Florida, Animated Music Videos . He was one of a family of ten children. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. 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. They had been married for 7.3 months. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I felt both sides descended in to a hell that was what unimaginable to the human mind. She was every bit a Marine which I would follow anywhere. It doesnt go into as much depth as you have but it does give her closure in the series. I have studied the war in the Pacific. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . God bless! They were good examples which I followed. Lena served an important role though,giving the soldier good chow was a morale booster. If a couple should ever be in Heaven its them. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Janet Bowman Johnson is looking for anyone stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1965-66, and/or who attended Boot Camp February, March of 1965 at CamPen sge originally worked at Battalion Hqtrs, then at the Training Aids Library Read about Elize McKelvey and her unique job. January. 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. This is probably why it occurred. Her group of women were heavily complimented and recognized by the marines they served for good chow. She was also constantly on top of mess hall sanitation too, which hers was the best on Pendleton. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. I also wish to convey my condolences to you about your father. Famous John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916 in United States. Thanks for the kind words. I needed urgent medical care at a VA medical center.Lena help cut much of the red tape get me in for care that very day.I have never forgotten what she did. Barbara; Thank you for this insight in to Lena Basilone. "My heart is full of both sadness and joy today," Imbese said after the ceremony. Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan and enlisted in the Army at the age of 18. Just yesterday I was riding the bus in Portland, Oregon, when a woman boarded with her walker. 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. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. if anyone knows about a documentary about them please let me know? I know your comment is from many years ago, but I do hope this finds you well! Ive met only recently the story of John Basilone and now, thanks to your words, even a little of the life of Lena. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. Marine Sergeant John Basilone receives his Medal of Honor in recognition of his heroism on Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. they have only received veterans status within the last 15-20 years. Thank you!!! What was the most moving person I had found was that of Lena. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. My dad served in the Pacific with the US Army who was in the Marshall Island, Marianas,and Peleliu. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Doc 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. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future. We will be running around all weekend for various events with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and of course multiple Iwo Jima survivors. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. I worked every day of my EMS career to prevent this. We are seeking those who knew both John and Lena for the documentary. He also was at Peleliu with the the 321st or 81st divisions he never said much about it. Lena was ahead of her time as were many women Marines. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. I deserved it. 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. My father was in the Pacific with the 32nd and 81st. My dad and I were medics, My dad fought alongside the Marines as an Army medic.He saw battle in the Marshall,Marianas islands and Peleliu.We looked like the infantry,because we carried rifles,and other weapons as we needed to protect our selves as well as patients. May they unit in heaven & continue their love story forever, Its the women our lives that makes coming home worth it. Brother & Sister. I too believe that a great degree of focus should have been given to Lena. Each time his visions came to pass - including the last - foretelling his death. Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. 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. They are Medal of Honor RECIPIENTS. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. 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. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Age: 86 (3/7/1913 - 6/11/1999) Lena Mae Basilone's Relationships (1) Check out our New "Top 10 Worst . Its a warm joy to read the postings here. i am a proud American. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. "Lena was notified of Johnny's death on March 7, 1945. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! I want to honor her life and her lost story- but I cannot do that properly without personal testament. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . Lena never remarried and she lived in California until her death in 1999. My mother married my father in 43 during the war and she constantly worried about him until he came. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. We both felt there was bigger job to medics. 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. If you call any of them a winner you are disgracing the recipients and those who died earning it. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. Peter J. Basilone, register of wills for Baltimore County and a former state legislator, died Thursday of liver cancer at his Towson residence. 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. 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 time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism and died in February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. Please let me know. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. 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. 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. We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. The number 456 references one of hundreds of end notes in the back of the book. Lena was the pioneer and was a very strong Non commissioned officer and ran a very good mess hall. 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. Thanks, Dave. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. 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. She responded that she had served as a Marine in the early 70s. Naval Service.[11]. Ssg Rick Doc Borenstein (Ret) Combat Medic.As we come to remember our fallen comrades which includes Johe Basilone Jr. Vera.and Msg Lena Basilone, I take pride in theilives and their leadership as USMC NCOs. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. With James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Jon Bernthal. And she cut it with flair! 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. I salute everybody and those of us who survived. John Basilone Quotes. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. I think my Fathers generation were legends. For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. the bridge stood for 10 days and collapsed? i know in the movie she went to visit his parents. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. I think I am beginning to understand Lena a bit better. 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. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. 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. [12] After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. On the night of October 25, 1942, the Japanese focused their attack on John Basilone's units. A scrapbook compiled by the family of US Marine Sgt. 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. 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. How Cpl John Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. I have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. I wish i could have known her. . John Basilone. It was her (32nd) birthday," said Barbara. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. Being on the home front is just as valuable.When I was deployed, the letters,the care packages,and support for us kept us going.You people of the homefront keep our morale up more than you know. Her love and bond so strong that she stayed single over 50 years. There will not be another one like her and Terri Murphy Audie Murphys wife. She was definitely an in charge Sergeant,but was well respected because she too could lead. Outmanned and with supplies low, Basilone and other marines on Guadacanal rally to repel superior Japanese forces. Hi Mike or Major Pain. 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. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! Ric, thank you for pointing out Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. I didnt realize that! Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. Hello All: 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.
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