Lena helped many of us including me to get help from the VA.While I had briefly known her. After I sent any piece of information I could find acknowledging her as Sgt. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. The other person that helped vets in the LA area was Audie L Murphys wife, Terry. 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. Lena Basilone was a very independent and rugged individual, who epitomized what the USMC is all about. She is my hero. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Why was no other keel ever laid down in his honor? Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing . WEnow are beginning to treat veterans with this problem. Hair nets are an essential thing for mess hall personnel as I have been a Mess hall inspector as part of medic duties. Barbara Garner was a genuine daughter and family member to her. John Basilone whom she was aware of. This is probably why it occurred. Please call me and send your number. I agree with you, for theres more to the story then meets the eye. I have stayed to true to taking care of the troops as a medic. I always signed in as herdaughter, to be able to have access to her and her doctors. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. 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 have never regret a moment of my 34 yrs of service. 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. The Marines had a Sullivans which I fell victim too, I wanted to be a Marine. The U.S. Navy named a destroyer after him in 1945, which Lena Mae christened. broward health medical center human resources phone number; steve watson obituary poplar bluff mo She had a very strong love for Gy.Sgt John Basilone even though their marriage was short,it was a very strong one. 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!!! My dad was a medic on Peleliu. The John Basilone Memorial Parade is the only parade in the country honoring a World War II hero. As she moved into her 80s, health issues began to crop up. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 - her 32nd birthday. Both her and her husband had each other and that was enough. I ran into Mrs. Basilone @ the VA when I need help navigating the system, She was there for me. RegardsDoc P.S. Truly a wonderful woman of strong beliefs. Hi Paul: I was a young kid when Vietnam went down. I did some time on Dustoff and later did almost 5 years total. You were lucky to get to know her, even a little! May g-d in wisdom help us fix the VA after the recent round of events. 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. but those were the times and conditions because I think Americans wanted a quicker end to WWII. Let us remember who they were and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all. We both turned down comissions to be officers many times in spite of field commanders and general recommendations. 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. The USS Basilone, a Gearing -class destroyer sponsored by Basilone's wife Lena, was laid down and launched in 1945 and commissioned in 1949. Regards Staff Sgt RickDoc Borenstein US Army Medical Corps, Retired . I lost some high school buddies that went to Nam as well some in later conflicts. So Ive been doing some research of my own. But his place was with "my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle . Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. Thank you for your service as well as everyone who serves. But he was very persistent !! Women marines can be rifleman which it is only right and fair. They were good examples which I followed. I wish i was around then. My mother was a lot like Lena. Johnny was definitely the love of her life! I am no hero, and my dad felt he was not a hero either. The Headstone indicated in the photograph, is not The Headstone at Her Grave. She died 55 years after her husband, in 1999, and was buried wearing her wedding ring. and for the families they left behind.. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. I think she was the most selfless person. Few veterans around the world have a system like and we can make it better. [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. [15] They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.[16]. 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. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. 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. or what its supposed to be. "If the Japanese force got through Basilone . Aside from numerous decorations, Basilone received other honors. We do a ceremony every wednesday for Vets without Families WE look straight out on her grave Rest in Peace Lena Basilone. I am a huge fan of hers and her husband. So these male Marines of today who want to diss on women in the Corps need to be quiet. I am eternal grateful for that help. My father and I did our jobs as we were expected to by our comrades and as we expected to. A simple handshake and thank you was all the recognition he wanted.I also feel Lena found out John was killed on her 32nd birthday. "That was our first real look, up close, at the war."-John Basilone. However, I was impressed by the story of Lena and John Basilone. She may have never forgiven him for going back into battle. The top brass who gave the OK should be the ones to blame. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor. To apply for a WMA Emergency Grant, you must complete the online application form and provide documentation of your financial emergency. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Like my dad, he was in the tough battles of Europe as my uncle Norris was. i am very proud of both my brothers as they got many commendations from their service. I had to settle for the Army. I have written about Her for years, and a photograph of the current Headstone can be found at. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. And finally, while home on leave, Basilone predicts his own death on Iwo Jima. Barbara Garner. Marine Sergeant Lena Basilone was the wife of Medal of Honor winner John Basilone. So now Im just stoked and really want to learn more and perhaps write a book about her. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. Thank you for your time & Semper Fi, Your email address will not be published. I have to just say Thank you to everyone who is in any branch of the military who reads this. As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel (based on his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was killed by a burst of small arms fire which hit him in the right groin and neck and nearly took off his left arm). She belongs at Arlington. My uncles in WW II served both in Europe and the Pacific. Hi, your very lucky to have known Lena Basilone. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. The Pacific War was one of the most savage wars ever fought. The . He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. 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. David: World War II in the Pacific was a war I hope humankind doesnt engage n again for a while. And she cut it with flair! Ive watched the HBO series several times. They served with me steadfastly for almost 34 years ,over 1/2 my lifetime. They both left with honorable discharges and they were both Sargents. Such a self-effacing woman she must have been, all the while doing so much good for others! 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. The lady was happy to know that Lena was also a Portland Marine. He was the only Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John R Basilone to pay them a last tribute. Women make the Marines the effective force they are today.Without Lena, this would not have occurred as easily. As in most documentary/films some of the scenes and portrails of Lena were not quite right. I love reading everything about ww2 and the greatest generation. 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. I wonder why she only appeared in public the one time on his behalf Did she ever say more about her husband or her marriage? I also remember my fallen comrades from high school, through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm Iraq and Afghanistan. I cannot imagine what physical pain he suffered and emotional pain Lena endured. SSG.RickDoc: I completed 33 yrs of service to the US Army.My uncles and cousins have been Marines. 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. Hi Sabrina, did you ever write about Sgt Lena Basilone? Sgt. "They weren't even men anymore. I see us tangling with Muslim fundamentalists with our full military weight and soldiers like John and Lean were will help us win it. 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. God bless Sgt. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. Wendy 2003 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Jeannie Ashcroft 2004 Pagans: Elise Ashton 2004 National Treasure: Agent Dawes I want to reduce veteran suicide statistic rate. I did start watching The Pacific after reading a few of these comments, and I have to say that it is a very emotional rollercoaster of a miniseries. After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. Semper Fi Marine, Well done rest in peace. I got a lot of insights on it from my high school teachers who fought as Marines 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. I caught heck from Mom for not writing. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these . Vera, always treasure what John and Lena were, real icons and professionals. . That kept me young at heart, As a medic, who has PTSD I gotta get out or let it all hang out. I had it easy in comparison. It seems her Upgrade to Sgt . to me it was a tough and frustrating war in many ways. Japan lost a key advantage of giving 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. I just had a question, was she close to his family after he passed? 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. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. Lets just say Ive become officially obsessed with the story. She married only one man my father Dr. Milton K Borenstein MD. This has been an exclusively a mans kingdom. She must have been a great marine. This weekend GySgt John Basilones niece will be staying with me here in DC for the Iwo Jima reunion and symposium as well as working on the official documentary of John Basilone and Lena Riggi. Once in a while, I add a friends name to it. December 26, 2022 by Robin. People can see the war in the Pacific through the eyes of the Marines clearly.This is something cant be avoided or entered into withtout thought as to what can happen Respectfully.SSG RickDocBorenstein(Retired) combat Medic. Highest Regards,SSG Rick Doc Borenstein, Thank you Barbara for your kind words. I stop by Lenas grave every holiday Me and my Wife Debbie put flowers and a flag on her grave.