Irene Talbot The Naked Kiss (29-Oct-1964) Black Zoo (15-May-1963) My daddy was killed in Germany at the battle at the Remagen Bridge in 1945. My dad was a medic on Peleliu. Some familys recognized that the problem existed after the war and helped them. I have had 5 combat deployments and was spooked after Bosnia,my unit had a psychiatrist I saw him off duty for a year and the military was none the wiser. Deeply moved and deeply saddened by the story of John and Lena. A recent visit to the battle sites and the cemeteries in Europe was a moving experience and a grim reminder of sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy! Lena was a pioneer and an example many Marines can follow, I forgot to comment on you father. I think my Fathers generation were legends. She was definitely not impressed with his celebrity status. On the night of Oct. 24, 1942, on the island of Guadalcanal, a Japanese regiment of 3,000 troops attacked a handful of Marines, including Sergeant Basilone. The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon. 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). But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . After his death, he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. did john basilone sleep with virginia grey - stmatthewsbc.org Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Lena was a legend as was John.Lena helped a lot of vets at the VA navigate the system and get what they needed. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. Their bomber was called Cabin In the sky. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. "They weren't even men anymore. 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 I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. 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. Thanks for the kind words. According to the funeral . He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. 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. But the cynicism did not last, and Lena and John married in the summer of 1944: Date of Death : February 19, 1945, Iwo Jima Airport / Iohjima Airport / Iohtoh Airport, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan : Place of Birth : Buffalo : Country: . My uncles are marine and Navy vets as well as my two brothers who are Marines. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. Im such a fan my brother bought me a John Basilone t shirt. Please call me and send your number. She had her memories of John Basilone. i am a proud American. Words fail me when I try to convey my sense of admiration and appreciation for people like the Basilones. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . May 26, 2016 4:29 PM PT. Their sacrifice was NOT in vain. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilones family. The war was shortend by what they did. The . Death and burial ground of Basilone, John, "Manila John". . 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. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. John Basilone's last battle - Los Angeles Times [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. At least 38 dead Japanese were credited to Sergeant Basilone -- many were killed with his Colt .45 at almost arms length. Whatever we were doing on a weekday, she insisted we be home in time for her daily dose of Guiding Light ! Which made him keep his accounts inside of him. She is one of the marines who made the corps what it is today. Doc..thanks for the reply. To me as I have said before was a legend of her own in the Marine Corps. 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 U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 Donald Basilone was the youngest sibling of the Basilone family, and brother of GySgt. 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 was satisfied to live on with her memories of John and their relationship, far more consoling than a medal. (source). He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Lena lost her husband within A few short months after their wedding . I'm Staying With My Boys: The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone SSG RickDoc Borenstein US Army (Ret). 456 John Basilone died a painful death in the dirt near Motoyama Airfield Number One. If I myself was able to sacrifice myself to save even 2 people I had never met, believe me, I would do that. sabrinammessenger..WELL SAID!! Sgt Lena Mae (Riggi) Basilone | The semi-normal, day - a female Marine Hello All: As a veteran, I have profound respect for her service to this country. Though the battle was fierce and the Marines' defensive positions were being barraged, Sgt. One primary example was the Womens Air Service Pilots, out of Abilene Texas. to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. On Camp Pendelton, there is an entry point to the base from Interstate 5 called "Basilone Road." Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. This may include medical bills, eviction notices, or other relevant documents. 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. You got tired both physically and mentally quickly. 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. Think we need more people like Lena, your Dad, and yourself. . I am glad that someone was able to be with Lena. Lena Basilone returns John's Medal of Honor - YouTube , Lena was a hero to me and so was John. and for the families they left behind.. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. 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. Many, including Virginia herself, expected them to marry . They will forever belong to a Band of Brothers and Sisters who willingly served this Country when she called. I found that the combatants descended into a savage war the like I hope we never see again. Thank you!!! John Basilone - America's Hero - Marines WWII Bullets hit him in the right groin, the neck, and just about blew off his left arm completely. 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. DocBorenstein Lena loved her volunteer work at the VA Hospital in Long Beach. Megan. Ive watched the HBO series several times. Basilone: Directed by David Nutter. Sgt Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (1913-1999) - Find a These Marines were the pioneers who created an Army I passed my torch unto as well as Marine Corps we have today. I have had female cousins who were excellent NCOs and officers.in the Israeli army.If it was not for Marines like Lena Basilone and John Basilone the marines would not be the organization they are today. Lena did not have John very long, in fact 7 months. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. My name is Ali Bardeguez, and I was wondering if maybe you had some insight to her upbringing? He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. The Pacific - Death of John Basilone - YouTube Virginia Grey dated John Basilone in the past, but they have since broken up. After John Basilone's death, his wife Lena never remarried. Great Love Happens Once: The Enduring Story of John and Lena Basilone We are a better world because of them Regards, Doc. Celebrity Birthdays; Celebrity Deaths; . strips, they finally agreed to put Sgt.on her grave marker. My father was a medic and water purification specialist. If so where can I find it. My uncle, A surgeon eventually took care off me and it worked good. Representing The Fewer & ProuderGenerations of Service, SSG Richard"Rick"Doc" Borenstein,Medic Retired, ssg rick "doc " borenstein ret. It was so my privilege to know Lena as my dear friend! Medal of Honor Recipients - MCA [13], While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. The Lena I knew would rather be buried where she was because she didnt seek the limelight and wanted to live a quiet life. Amen. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. 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. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. She was a patriotic American to the core!! Year Title Role Notes 1999 On the Q.T. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. . I am finding this is a need especially this last Friday when a retired E7 took his daughters and himself in a homicide.-suicide. Its a warm joy to read the postings here. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. 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. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea . 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. Thanks, Dave. Thank you both for your service and sacrifice. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. It should be cherished by Marines Past, Present, and Future.