Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. But despite his appreciation of the admiration he received, he wanted to be on the battlefield. John Basilone is best known as a War Hero. His mother, Dora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina also came from Naples. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. John Basilone is celebrated for his bravery, among other things, which he showed in Guadalcanal in October 1942 when his unit was attacked by Japanese fighters. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. Some become heroes on a grass field, whose passion and talent burn eternal memories into the hearts of millions of people and write their names in the history books as legends. Explore genealogy for John Basilone born 1916 Buffalo, Erie, New York, USA died 1945 Iwo Jima including parents + 1 photos + 2 family memories + 2 genealogist comments + more in the free family tree community. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who earned the Medal of Honor for his bravery at Guadalcanal. After attending training, Basilone deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, the Solomon Islands and eventually to Guadalcanal where he held off 3,000 Japanese troops after his 15-member unit was reduced to two other men. Lena M. Basilone died June 11, 1999, at the age of 86 and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery. 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.Just before his 18th birthday, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines as an infantryman from 1934 to 1937. He would become known as “Manila John” due to his Army service in the Philippines. The Basilone family and the town of Raritan grieved over the loss of their hero. He dropped out of school as soon as he graduated high school and began working as a golf caddy before finally deciding to join the military. The family eventually settled in Raritan, New Jersey, where John grew up. By early 1945, he was voluntarily back in the South Pacific. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27, 1943. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Paget Brewster Biography, Net Worth, Husband And Body Measurements, Ralph Fiennes Bio, Net Worth, Wife, Brothers and Family Facts, Channing Frye Biography, Wife, Contract, Mother, Father and Family Facts, James McAvoy Wife, Girlfriend, Son, Height and Net Worth. John Basilone was born on 4 November 1916, to Salvatore Basilone and Theadora Bencivenga. Naval Service. During the battle, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Americans from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. Geni requires JavaScript! In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. He became a celebrity and used his status to raise money for the war effort. Since he was able to hold his own against the Japanese troops, Basilone was honored with the Medal of Honor, the U.S. military’s highest award for bravery. John’s father Salvatore Basilone came to this country from Italy in 1903 when he was just 19. Sergeant John Basilone met the woman (Lena Mae Riggi) whom he would later make his life companion while serving at Camp Pendleton. Sgt. Upon returning home, he worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. To achieve this, he joined the Marines. Sergeant John Basilone is one of the many great men who chose the battlefield and engraved their names as heroes in history. Marine comrades are seen holding the American flag during services as members of the family look on. After the parade, he toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. “I really enjoy watching everyone have a good time… I’m more excited when I’m playing in front of friends and family.” Basilone will perform at Memorial Park with The Cameos, a group whose history dates from 1957. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strongpoint and its defending garrison. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel (Twin Inns). As the leader of the machine gun section during the Battle of Iwo Jima, Basilone again fought bravely against the Japanese forces. John Basilone? The sixth of 10 children born to parents who had immigrated to the U.S. from Italy, John Basilone was born on Nov. 4, 1916. Besides serving in his country in the Philippines, John developed a passion for boxing and eventually became a master boxer. His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Naples in 1903 and settled in Raritan, New Jersey. She also grew up in the city. On his return home, after being released from active duty, the boxer became a truck driver, but his new job did not give him any satisfaction and soon he nurtured the desire to return to Manila. HBO's The Pacific a ten part mini-series includes the love story of John and Lena Basilone. Shown here is the original church. Unfortunately, he died on the battlefield on February 19, 1945. He enlisted in the United States Army and completed his three-year enlistment with service in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. During the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of approximately 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division. John "Gunny" Basilone Basilone just after a major battle in Guadalcanal. Lena christens the USS Basilone after John's death. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. His return to the battlefield did not end well the second time. In December 1943, John’s insistent request was granted, and sometime in July 1944, he was reinstated in the Marine Corps. Is Mat Best Married, Who Is His Wife? Early life and education. John Basilone - Photos of his Family: This photo of John's family was taken (after his death) in the late 1940s: The Basilone home was located on the corner of First Ave. & Route 202. Hi Vera: I am pleased to read your post. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Brother of Phyllis Dorothy Basilone; Mary Grace Basilone; Angelo Basilone; George / Giorgio Basilone; Alfonso / Alphonse Basilone and 4 others; Deloris Basilone; Carlo Edward Basilone; Katherine Basilone and Private « less. The Corps sent him to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of Dog Company 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division. He was the sixth of ten children. Lena Riggi in 1944. It is said that he single-handedly captured various enemy strongholds and exposed himself to the raging fire of the Japanese as he tried to capture a naval tank trapped in the Japanese minefield. John Basilone was born on Nov. 4, 1916, in Buffalo, N.Y. to Salvatore Basilone and Dora Bencivenga. Ike Clanton Biography, Childhood and Life of Crime, How Did He... Eric Dickerson Wife, Daughter, Family, Height, Weight, Bio. Browse 18 john basilone stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. On February 19, 1945, he was serving as a machine gun section leader in action against Japanese forces on Red Beach II. Let us learn more about him. Others choose the battlefield, fight for the freedom of millions of people, and are willing to sacrifice their lives so that others can lead a fulfilled life. Basilone, John, “Manila John” born in his parents’ home on 04-11-1916, in Buffalo, New York. He enlisted in the Marines, service number 287506, in July 1940 from Baltimore, Maryland, and went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River. Basilone was born in his home on November 4, 1916 in Buffalo, New York, the sixth of 10 children. His return to the United States was celebrated and widely publicized. Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), widow of John Basilone, prepares to christen the destroyer USS Basilone (December 21, 1945) In February of 1945, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was back in the Pacific with the 5 th Marine Division, part of the invasion force for the invasion of Iwo Jima, known by the military code name Operation Detachment . Who Was Sgt. He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. Genealogy for Lena Mae Basilone (Riggi) (c.1913 - 1999) family tree on Geni, with over 200 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. 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. © 2021 Wikibily.com - All Rights Reserved. His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. John Basilone’s father was born in Colle Sannita. 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. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. He would settle in Raritan and meet Dora Bengivenga at a church dance. “It’s a nice feeling,” Basilone said. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Boro of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. Actor After finishing Middle School John chose not to continue his education and started working as a golf caddy. He requested a return to the fighting in the. Son of Salvatore Basilone and Dora Basilone He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, after which he was posthumously honored with the Navy Cross. Who Was Sgt. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, before the family moved to Buffalo when John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. John Basilone, Medal of Honor. He defended Henderson Field in Guadalcanal, where his 15-man unit held off an enemy attack of nearly 3,000 Japanese soldiers for two days. Left to right, Mary, Phyllis Carlo (seated), John in chair, Catherine and Angelo, Basilone was born in his parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. John Basilone. Lena seems like a sweet woman, giving back to Veterans and not referring to the slight from John's family after his death. After completing middle school at the age of 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Both sides of his family emigrated from Benevento, Italy. Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II. Though, he was born in Buffalo, New York, his parents were residents of Raritan, New Jersey earlier. At that time Lena Mae Riggi also served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. They honeymooned at her parents' onion farm in Portland. John Basilone? A great American couple, proud Marines and giving people. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni. John Basilone, Medal of Honor (1916 - 1945) John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. As recorded, John and Lena developed a friendship that eventually led to their marriage on July 10, 1944, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California. Richard Jefferson Wife, Kids, Salary, Height, Wiki, Is He Gay? Giovanni Francis Basilone (1916 - 1945) Giovanni Francis (John) Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried, http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2627/basilone-john.php. Unlike his father, his mother was born in Manville, New Jersey, in 1889. His father settled there after his emigration. He requested again to return to the war and this time the request was approved. I am pleased know of a member of John Basilone’s family. It was knocked down in 1962. The municipal meeting room was packed with Basilones from around the world, including Kim Van Note, Diane Hawkins and interpreter Regina Basilone. His Wife, Family, How Did He Die? Here’s The List of Her Ex-Husbands... Luke Harper Wife, Son, Family, Age, Height, Biography, Is Kevin Hart Married? As battle raged, ammunition became critically low. From what we learned, the Marine Corps rejected his various requests to be sent back to the battlefield. She was a stunning women. As might be expected, Sergeant John Basilone was honored by the military and the public with several awards. 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. By the end of the engagement, the Japanese regiment was virtually annihilated. His father, Salvatore Basilone, of Italian descent, is said to have moved to the United States in 1930 from Colle Sannita in Benevento, Italy. I am a retired US Army medic that served for 33 1/2 years. That was in 1940, but then his wish to return to Manila was not fulfilled, because he was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and then to Guadalcanal. 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. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and his grave can be found in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. I had members of my family who served in the USMC and some were on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant Basilone, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of 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. The Basilone family attended St. Ann's Church. Sergeant John Basilone was born in Buffalo, New York as the sixth child of ten. John Basilone Biography. He was the sixth of the ten children of the couple. I claim nothing in this video. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Judge George Allgair was quoted in The Somerset Messenger Gazette “The boys in Raritan all idolized John Basilone and his death seems unreal. The last word that the Basilone family had received from John was a birthday greeting to his mother, one month before. Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ship’s sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. He was the sixth of ten children. While living in Buffalo, on November 4th 1916, John was born. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt.
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