On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. It would seem easy to find a wife with these circumstances, but he wanted something real. Please reset your password. Click on any item below to call or chat now. It is generally accepted in the majority of sources that Basilone was killed instantly by a mortar. The Basilone was the last of 27 Gearing Class destroyers and the last warship built in Orange as part of the World War II effort. Not long after their wedding he shipped out to Iwo Jima and in February of 1945 he was killed in battle. Editors: Theresa Lyon and Annabelle Colton. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance. Thanks for your help! Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. When World War II started, she left school to join the newly formed Marine Corps Womens Reserve. He 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. 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. My Next DIY project Forever home makeover original sound - Lena Basilone. Her parents were Italian immigrants. Lena never remarried. At the end of the day, after the cameras stopped flashing and parades came to an end, Basilone was a traditional man. She was 86. Following basic training, Basilone served at Camp Pendleton, California, where she worked as a field cook and met fellow Marine John Basilone. A homemaker, Nina enjoyed gardening and especially cooking eggplant parmesan, roasted red peppers and homemade tomato sauce . Lena Riggi of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve, charmingly played by Annie Parisse, who was on a "Law & Order" a few seasons back. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? 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 . 14 Feb 2019|
The full weight of the fanatical Japanese fell on Basilone and his men. based on information from your browser. They met at Camp Pendleton. South Plainfield - Nina "Antonina" Basilone (DiPasquale) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on December 12, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. ^ "John Basilone,Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps". As he moved along the edge of the airfield, he was killed by Japanese mortar shrapnel. It was there that John died, in an exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was killed leading his heavy machine gun squad off the beach on Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945. 709 likes. For one Marine, those two paths were intertwined. She worked for an electrical company after leaving the military. Please enter your email and password to sign in. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. He was famous. Lena Basilone's Obituary, this has some good info, click image for a larger view. Basilone asked Lena out, but knowing his celebrity status, she refused. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. The state with the most residents by this name is California, followed by DC and Georgia. DOROTHY BASILONE OBITUARY. His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. ). Wife of GySgt. Subscribe To Obituaries. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. She was a volunteer for several Veterans organizations such as the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, American Veterans Auxiliary and Women Marines Association. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy, and their children, Emily (Jason) Chebetar of Virginia Beach, VA, Patrick (Christina) Basilone of Huntsville, AL, and Jillian . After John Basilone arrived at Camp Pendleton, where he trained Marines for upcoming Pacific battles, he met Lena Riggi. Try again. Todays #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Alexis McCray, who provided personnel support during the 2010 drawdown of Operation Iraqi Freedom. BLOG. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. In October 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=334448. She never remarried. 401 Edgewater Place Suite 600, Wakefield, MA 01880. mikie sherrill height; . You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Todays #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Sam Huff, who was killed by a roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. Angelo was born on November 20th, 1947. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review.
Answer (1 of 4): The only decoration? Lena christens the USS Basilone after John's death. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Peter Riggi, Paul Riggi, Jim Riggi, Frank Riggi, Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California 92518, USA, Mar 7 1913 - Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, USA, June 11 1999 - Lakewood, Los Angeles, California, United States of America, James Riggi, <<Private>> Riggi (born Serdena), Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California, United States, Mar 7 1913 - Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, United States, June 11 1999 - Lakewood, Los Angeles, California, United States, James Diodata "Jim" Riggi, Virgina Riggi (born Lazzaro), Frank Riggi, Peter " Pete" Riggi, Samuel Riggi, James Riggi, Paul Riggi, James Riggi, Virgina Riggi (born Serdena), Lakewood, Los Angeles, California, United States, Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States. Episode 8 of the mini series features the US invasion of Iwo Jima where John Basilone died on the first day. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. After John's death, Lena never remarried. John Basilone 19161141945219 Gunnery Sergeant . Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Signed, Linda Riggi. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Growing up on her family's farm in Salem, Oregon, Lena Basilone was the daughter of Italian immigrants who instilled in her the values of hard work and self-reliance. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. Just read his biography , thought it was an auto biography, turned a page and it says he died. She saw him as yet another patronizing Marine returning from war. Basilone and his Marines made progress toward their objective an airfield on the island. She is married to actor Paul Sparks and they have two children. Sergeant Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (formerly Lena Mae Riggi) was the love interest, and eventual wife of John Basilone. Sun, Mar 21, 2010 60 mins. WASNT HE AN E7 GUNNERY SARGENT NOT AN E5 SGT. Sgt. Henoch Kornfeld-His only crime he was a Jewish child. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. Copyright 2018 @ USS Basilone DDE/DD 824 Design & Developed by Buy Wordpress Templates, (November 4, 1916 February 19, 1945) was a. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. He wanted, more than anything, to have a wife and a family of his own. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. He was a man of honor and quite a hero. John and Lena seemingly fell in love overnight. Lena and Basilone knew that their time would be short, so they married the next day. Lena was a very determined lady, loved by many.when she saw a need, she would go about filling it, her friend Barbara Garner said in Basilones June 1999 obituary. Basilone's mother, Dora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey, but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal: Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. Anyway it looks like John and Lena Basilone meet and fall in love during episode 8. . . Other women, at Camp Pendleton, told Sgt. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 her 32nd birthday. The Pacific Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. She was also a Marine sergeant (albeit reservist) who had one less stripe than John. They went on and on about what a hero I was, how brave I was and that I knew all the movie stars.' He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Visitation will be at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley, N.J., on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from . They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. Just weeks after meeting, with Basilones inevitable return to the Pacific looming, the couple decided to get married on July 10, 1944 at St. Marys Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California. Her parents were Italian immigrants. 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. He went across the country, mingled with the president, met movie stars and helped raise $1.4 million in War Bonds. After returning from his successful tour in Guadalcanal, Basilone received overwhelming amounts of publicity. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. (Click on it to see a bigger version) (I have to disagree with that man they quoted who said younger Marines don't know who John Basilone is. Basilone did not give up, however. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. A locked padlock With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Lena Basile of Clifton, New Jersey, who passed away on June 16, 2022. No. Sergeant, USMC (WR) (Widow of GySgt. Everyone knew about Basilone's Medal of Honor. 2011817 ^ "Lena M Basilone at Find a Grave". Angelo Basilone 74, from Newark NJ, passed away peacefully in his Toms River home on January 27, 2022. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Some time later, Lena met up with her father again and they reconciled over a cup of coffee. Local Marines will provide a bugler and pallbearers. He managed to talk Lena into having a coffee break with him. Leave a sympathy . Visit ourblog post about nominatingto learn how to create the best submission. Remember to be courteous and respectful. Basilone was born in his parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York. Basilone did not give up, however, and he invited Lena to dinner at a fancy restaurant while training some recruits in the 5th Marine Division. Edit Search New Search Filters (1) To get better results, add more information such as Birth Info, Death Info and Locationeven a guess will help. God bless Sgt. Just a fun loving guy Many of He received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. We found 3 people in 5 states named Lena Basilone living in the US. TikTok video from Lena Basilone (@lenabasilone): "Hard to believe that these are the same cabinets! 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. John liked Lena for her tough attitude and self-assured nature. Her name was Lena Mae Riggi, a sergeant at the time serving as a field cook in the Marine Corps Womens Reserve. There was nothing on it. During the fighting on Guadalcanal in October 1942, Basilone's actions would result in him being awarded the Medal of Honor. I am only sorry that my Mother-in-law, Audrey Riggi, was not mentioned in Aunt Lena's obituary as her . Look for word matches in books, stories & newspapers, etc. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. More Pictures Of Chesty Puller -- Bad Ass Marine, HBO's The Pacific -- Actors and The Real Guys. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until replacements arrived. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Donald Basilone (New Port Richey, Florida), who passed away at the age of 92, on August 12, 2022. She was a volunteer for several Veterans organizations such as the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, American Veterans Auxiliary and Women Marines Association. Wearing the chevrons of a . Like I said in the first post about Lena, every Marine recruit learns about . THERES A DIFFERENCE I HOPE HIS TOMBSTONE ISNT THE SAME. During a heavy enemy attack in Guadalcanal, Basilone and his men defeated thousands of Japanese troops while he single-handedly repaired and manned multiple machine guns and risked his life running through enemy lines to retrieve critical ammunition. Based on his research for the book and mini-series The Pacific, author Hugh Ambrose suggested that Basilone was not killed by a mortar, but by small arms fire that hit him in the right groin and the neck, and nearly took off his left arm. Sergeant Lena Mae Riggi Basilone (formerly Lena Mae Riggi) was the love interest, and eventual wife of John Basilone Lena was born in 1913. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. During Womens History Month, todays #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Lena Basilone, who served during World War II. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Lena stayed active by working at an electrical company, volunteering at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, the American Veterans Auxiliary and the Womens Marine Association. The parade made national news in LIFE magazine and Fox Movietone News. If the name does not sound familiar, you may recognize her married name: Basilone. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. All Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries results for Lena Basilone. If you want to learn more about John and Lena Basilone, watch the superb miniseries "The Pacific." Some time ago, I met an elderly man. John and Lena seemingly fell in love overnight. His record of earning five Navy Crosses for valor has never been matched, nor has his place in Marine Corps history as one of the finest combat officers ever. 213 Likes, TikTok video from Lena Basilone (@lenabasilone): "The next DIY project in my forever home kitchen remodel. U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. PAUL IPPOLITO SUMMIT MEMORIAL 7 Summit Ave Summit, NJ 07901 Phone: (908) 273-1367 Andrea Ippolito, Mgr. Very sad, but it makes a person understand what their generation went through. Try again later. Todays #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Nicholas OBrien, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. John Basilone (November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima.He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II. He was the sixth of ten children. 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. . I'm floored. Her parents were Italian immigrants. OBITUARY Angelo Basilone November 20, 1947 - January 27, 2022. After leaving Oregon, she attended business school. She was the widow of Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John J. Basilone, in whose honor the ship was named. Lena Basilone honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as a sergeant. Editors: Theresa Lyon and Annabelle Colton, Retired Army Col. Paris Davis, 83, stood in the East Room of the White House on Friday as President Joe Biden draped the Medal of Honor around his neck, nearly six decades after he saved the lives of three fellow, Employment numbers suggest that veterans have taken advantage of a robust economy fueled by the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic and ample federal funding to record major success in the jobs market and start businesses of their own. xtend bcaa cancer; beyblade burst quad drive qr codes 2022; how old is hobbybear from hobbykidstv 2021; jules hudson wife. It was her (32nd) birthday, said Barbara. An official website of the United States government. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. During Women's History Month, today's Veteran Of The Day is Marine Corps Veteran Lena Basilone, who served during World War II. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on December 27. NJ Lic. Instead, she is interred at Riverside National Cemetery, Plot 50 0 5557 in Riverside, California. Iwo Jima: Directed by David Nutter, Jeremy Podeswa. John Basilone's relationship with Lena Mae Basilone ended when John Basilone died on February 19, 1945. Lena never remarried and was content with her life. Above is the obituary of Lena Basilone. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. She was a stunning women. From her Find-A-Grave entry and her obituary: Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. In October, he and two other Marines used machine guns to hold off an attack by a far numerically superior Japanese force. He was offered roles in movies, invited to parades, and even spent time with the president. This browser does not support getting your location. PAUL IPPOLITO BERKELEY MEMORIAL 646 Springfield Ave Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 Phone: (908) 277-6446 There is a problem with your email/password. She served as a field cook (on the base), and her title was Sergeant, said Barbara Garner, longtime friend and roommate. He was even offered a commission and a position in Washington. Riggi waited for the gossips to tire themselves out, looked at them and said, 'So what?' On Dec. 21, 1945, Basilone attended the christening ceremony of the Navy destroyer USS Basilone, named in her husbands honor. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Lena . If you are a Veteran in crisis But the, Hawaiiscongressional delegation is asking theIRSto back off of families that were affected by the Red Hill water crisismany of them outraged that under current regulations the money they received from the military for temporary housing is considered income and that, The Pentagon has yet to issue a formal policy that would allow cadets at Americas service academies to continue their education if they have kids while enrolled, reversing existing rules that could lead them to get kicked out of school. Basilone is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, in Section 12, Grave 384, grid Y/Z 23.5. The telegram was sent in the name of General Alexander Vandegrift. Weve updated the security on the site. It was during this time that she caught the eye of a decorated Marine, a man who was the United States first WWII war hero. Lena never remarried. Lena Mae Riggi was born March 7, 1916 in Portland, Ore. to Italian Sicilian immigrants. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Before her death, the federal government had offered Lena a burial spot in Arlington Cemetery, not far from the location where her husband is interred. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. One of her few, if not only, public appearances after Johns death was about nine months after he died. Parisse has also starred as Julia Snyder on the soap opera As the World Turns, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award. Her fellow female Marines fawned over Basilone and his heroism but she wasnt impressed. JUNE 16, 1999 RIVIERES JOURNEY TO AND IN THE MARINE CORPS. Frustrated with his bond selling tour, Basilone goes back to training troops and after marrying a pretty marine sergeant, leads his men at Iwo Jima. Basilone, Mario, 55, of Coral Springs, passed away November 27, 2010. 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. GREAT NEWS! Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Lena Basilone (334448)? God Bless and Semper Fi. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ship's sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer, USS Basilone (DD-824), at the Consolidated Steel Company Shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. The (newer generation of) Marines dont know who he was, said Frank Turiace, former U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and decorated Korean War veteran, wanted to change that, With the help of state Sen. Bill Murrow, Turiace set out on a mission to make sure that John is never forgotten. He (Murrow) was very instrumental in putting this through he has the connections, said Turiace. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? WORLD WAR II, EIGHTIES, MUSIC, HISTORY, HOLOCAUST. His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita, in the province of Benevento, Italy in 1903 and settled in Raritan. Basilone was constantly surrounded by swarms of women who clung to his arms and posed for pictures. thomas gambino obituary; senior apartments on decatur in las vegas. He received a Medal of Honor for successfully defending Henderson Field against the Japanese in October 1942. Lena Mae Basilone. John liked Lena for her tough attitude and self-assured nature. Edit your search or learn more, Year start date must be less than year end date, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, United States of America, Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, United States of America, 7 Mar 1913 Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, United States of America, 11 Jun 1999 Lakewood, Los Angeles County, California, United States of America, U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014, Willamette Valley, Oregon, U.S., Death Records, 1838-2006, U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010, U.S., Cemetery and Funeral Home Collection, 1847-Current, New Jersey, U.S., Death Index, 1848-1878, 1901-2017, Philippines, Select Deaths and Burials, 1726-1957, Ohio, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2018, Do not sell or share my personal information. Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Lena was born in 1913. Lena Basilone returns her late husband's Medal of Honor to his family.From HBO's "The Pacific", episode 10 of 10. She was a very determined lady, loved by many when she saw a need, she would go about filling it, said Barbara. Sgt. Failed to delete memorial. He was sent home to sell War . He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, from Baltimore, Maryland. I am loving The Pacific on HBO, the John and Lena Basilone story is amazing. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol. John R Basilone Obituary. At least I wanted a few days, or weeks if I could get it, to know what it was like to be married. Creator. Basilone's parents met at a church gathering and married three years later. Her final resting place is at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Create New. John had been stationed in the Pacific theater of the war. If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Her husband later said,[Lena] joined the Marine Corps because she wanted to be with the top outfit in the war effort.. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Oops, something didn't work. Obituary: Services Wednesday for longtime Lakewood resident. John was attracted to the simpler things in life. He was part of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. When she died, she was still wearing the wedding ring that John gave her. He is often discussed in Marine Corps history classes but no one ever mentions that his wife was a Marine too. You are correct SGTKITE, John Basilone's tombstone is correct it reads Gy Sgt. John Basilone (1916-1945) | Women Marines Association #genealogy #military #veterans. United States Marine Corps Women Reserves. However, John was not complacent hanging around desks and smiling for the cameras and his reaction to the Washington job was: I aint no officer, I aint no museum piece and I belong back with my outfit.. In it, Basilone meets and marries Sgt. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Black hair, dark eyes, and she walked around like she owned the place At first it was just a look between us. Lena survived John by 54 years. Growing up on her familys farm in Salem, Oregon, Lena Basilone was the daughter of Italian immigrants who instilled in her the values of hard work and self-reliance. While John and Lena have both passed, their love still lingers in the halls of St. Marys Star of the Sea Church. She once told Barbara: Once you have the best, you cant settle for less. She purchased a home in Lakewood and stayed there for over 50 years until her death. Geni requires JavaScript! Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. 1940 194210 . Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. He eventually met his wife in the serving line of a chow hall on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Urging his men to keep moving forward (lest they die), Basilone displayed the same type of heroic behavior which earned him the Medal of Honor at Guadalcanal. On July 7, 1944 the couple wed. After a short, happy time together, John headed back to the war-torn South Pacific. Lena was a very determined lady, loved by many.when she saw a need, she would go about filling it, her friend Barbara Garner said in Basilones June 1999 obituary.