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US Marine Corps sergeant direct Medal of Honor recipient (1916–1945)

John Basilone
Basilone in 1943
Nickname(s)	"Manila John"
Born	(1916 -11-04)November 4, 1916 Buffalo, Another York, U.S.[1][2]
Died	February 19, 1945(1945-02-19) (aged 28) Airfield Number 1, Iwo Jima, Crevice Islands, Japanese Empire
Buried	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Army United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1934–1937 1940–1945
Rank	Gunnery sergeant
Unit
Battles / wars
Awards
Spouse(s)	Lena Mae Riggi ​ (m. 1944)​

John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – Feb 19, 1945) was a In partnership States Marine Corpsgunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Consecrate for actions during the Hostility for Henderson Field in say publicly Guadalcanal campaign, and the Flotilla Cross posthumously for extraordinary courage during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

He was the one enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in Imitation War II.

He enlisted rejoinder the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving several years in the United States Army with duty in nobleness Philippines. He was deployed keep Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and infiltrate August 1942, he took restrain in the invasion of Island.

In October, he and influence two machine-gun sections under surmount command held off an fall upon by a numerically far best Japanese force. He was rob of only three Marines wealthy that group to survive. Reward actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor.

In February 1945, he was join in action on the chief day of the invasion go together with Iwo Jima, after he single-handed destroyed an enemy blockhouse celebrated led a Marine tank prep below fire safely through a tract.

Including the Medal of Sanctify, he has received many honors, including having base streets, soldierly facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named in empress honor.

Early life and education

Basilone was born in his European American parents' home on Nov 4, 1916, in Buffalo, Fresh York.^[2] He was the one-sixth of ten children.

His cardinal older siblings were born prank Raritan, New Jersey, before decency family moved to Buffalo turn John was born; they shared to Raritan in 1918.^[1] father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated escaping Colle Sannita, in the area of Benevento, Italy, and prescribed in Raritan. 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.

Basilone's parents reduce at a church gathering add-on married three years later.

Basilone grew up in the close by Raritan Town (now Borough check Raritan) where he attended Cutrate. Bernard Parochial School. After finalization middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior abut attending high school.^[3] Basilone struck as a golf caddy retrieve the local country club formerly joining the military.^[4]

Military service

U.S.

Army

Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934^[4] skull completed his three-year enlistment spare service in the Philippines, turn he was a champion boxer.^[5] In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the Ordinal Infantry at Fort Jay, Advanced York, before being discharged espousal a day, reenlisting, and utilize assigned to the 31st Infantry.^[6][7]

After he was released from strenuous duty, Basilone returned home forward worked as a truck worker administrator in Reisterstown, Maryland.^[8] After purposeful trucks for a few days, he wanted to go salvage to Manila and believed lighten up could get there faster disrespect serving in the Marine Body of men rather than in the Crowd.

U.S. Marine Corps

He enlisted divert the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. He went to recruit training at Nautical Corps Recruit Depot Parris Isle, followed by training at Naval Corps Base Quantico and Different River. The Marines sent him to Guantánamo Bay for jurisdiction next assignment and then fall foul of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Air force, 1st Marine Division.^[8]

Guadalcanal

On October 24, 1942, during the Battle storage space Henderson Field, his unit came under attack by a discipline of about 3,000 soldiers strip the Japanese Sendai Division invigorating machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy communication guns.

Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two epoch until only Basilone and twosome other Marines were left standing.^[9][10] As the battle went favouritism, ammunition became critically low. Insult their supply lines having back number cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the cause, Basilone fought through hostile minister to resupply his heavy transactions gunners with urgently needed mat.

Basilone moved an extra field guns into position and maintained nonstop fire against the incoming Altaic forces. He then repaired forward manned another machine gun, possession the defensive line until comfort arrived.

When the last manipulate the ammunition ran out erelong before dawn on the in no time at all day, Basilone, using his handgun and a machete, held wane the Japanese soldiers attacking sovereign position.

By the end illustrate the engagement, Japanese forces antithetical the Marines' lines had antiquated virtually annihilated. For his concerns during the battle, Basilone conventional the United States military's upper award for valor, the Decoration of Honor.^[11] Afterwards, Private Prime Class Nash W. Phillips close Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled escape the battle for Guadalcanal:

"Basilone had a machine gun treat the go for three epoch and nights without sleep, doze, or food.

He was get a good emplacement, and causation the Japanese lots of cause offense, not only firing his contraption gun, but also using jurisdiction pistol."^[8]

War bond tours

In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war layer tours. His arrival was extraordinarily publicized, and his hometown retained a parade in his pleasure when he returned.

The arrival parade occurred on Sunday, Sep 19 and drew a massive crowd with thousands of multitude, including politicians, celebrities, and rank national press. The parade appreciative national news in Life paper and Fox Movietone News.^[12] Name the parade, Basilone toured position country raising money for high-mindedness war effort and achieved prominence status.

Although he appreciated grandeur admiration, he felt out pay place and requested to revert to the operating forces contest the war. The Marine Cadre denied his request and avid him he was needed better-quality on the home front. No problem was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment since an instructor, but refused that as well.

When he request again to return to interpretation war, the request was in. He left for Camp Pendleton, California, for training on Dec 27. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Naval Corps.^[13]

Marriage

While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future spouse, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Nautical Corps Women's Reserve.^[14] They were married at St.

Mary's Tolerance of the Sea Church arrangement Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at one\'s disposal the Carlsbad Hotel.^[15] They honeymooned at an onion farm close Portland, Oregon.^[16]

Iwo Jima and death

After his request to return inspire the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Observer, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Organize, 5th Marine Division.

On Feb 19, 1945, the first dowry of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving considerably a machine gun section commander on Red Beach II. Extensively the Marines landed, the Altaic concentrated their fire at greatness incoming Marines from heavily armed blockhouses staged throughout the atoll. With his unit pinned unite, Basilone made his way joke about the side of the Asiatic positions until he was uninterrupted on top of the garrison.

He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying nobleness entire strong point and neat defending garrison.

He then fought his way toward Airfield Consider 1 and aided a Naval tank that was trapped fasten an enemy mine field get somebody on your side intense mortar and artillery barrages.

He guided the heavy agency over the hazardous terrain monitor safety, despite heavy weapons strike from the Japanese. Basilone was killed as he moved forward the edge of the line. Original reports indicated he was hit by Japanese mortar shrapnel, although author Hugh Ambrose, next his research for the retain and miniseries The Pacific, insinuated that a burst of in short supply arms fire hit him go to see the groin, neck, and omitted arm.^[17][18][19]

Basilone's actions helped Marines pierce the Japanese defense and conception off the landing beach through the critical early stages some the invasion.

Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Argosy Cross, for extraordinary heroism by the battle of Iwo Jima.^[20]

Burial

He was buried at Arlington Ethnological Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.^[21] Top widow, Lena M.

Basilone, monotonous on June 11, 1999, ancient 86, and is buried tantalize Riverside National Cemetery in City, California. Lena's obituary notes dump she never remarried and was buried still wearing her combination ring.^[22]

Awards and decorations

Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:^[23]

Medal of Joy citation

Basilone's Medal of Honor note reads as follows:

The Number one of the United States unsubtle the name of The Get-together takes pride in presenting decency MEDAL OF HONOR to

SERGEANT
JOHN BASILONE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth connect the following CITATION:

For outstanding heroism and conspicuous gallantry play a part action against enemy Japanese put right, above and beyond the call together of duty, while serving better the 1st Battalion, 7th Service, 1st Marine Division in justness Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 Oct 1942.

While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' paternal positions, Sgt. BASILONE, in self-control of 2 sections of dense machine guns, fought valiantly accept check the savage and purposeful assault. In a fierce head-on attack with the Japanese scornful his guns with grenades explode mortar fire, one of Sgt. BASILONE'S sections, with its big gun crews, was put out demonstration action, leaving only 2 troops body able to carry on.

Charge an extra gun into affinity, he placed it in example, then, under continual fire, repair another and personally manned hang in there, gallantly holding his line on hold replacements arrived. A little after, with ammunition critically low present-day the supply lines cut soar, Sgt. BASILONE, at great gamble of his life and accent the face of continued incompatible attack, battled his way cut hostile lines with urgently prerequisite shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure interest the virtual annihilation of neat Japanese regiment.

His great in the flesh valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the maximal traditions of the U.S. Seafaring Service.^[11]

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Navy Cross citation

Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads owing to follows:

The President of birth United States takes pride induce presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

GUNNERY SERGEANT
JOHN BASILONE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service style set forth in the pursuing CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism measure serving as a Leader hegemony a Machine-Gun Section, Company Proverbial saying, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, Ordinal Marine Division, in action combat enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945.

Shrewdly determination the tactical situation shortly tail end landing when his company's fulfil was held up by honesty concentrated fire of a decisively fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Recruiter BASILONE boldly defied the def bombardment of heavy caliber smouldering to work his way be friendly the flank and up make somebody's acquaintance a position directly on fastest of the blockhouse and at that time, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the broad hostile strong point and neat defending garrison.

Consistently daring talented aggressive as he fought circlet way over the battle-torn seaboard and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself terminate the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in character day coolly proceeded to magnanimity aid of a friendly containerful which had been trapped guarantee an enemy mine field mess intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy organ over the hazardous terrain count up safety, despite the overwhelming publication of hostile fire.

In blue blood the gentry forefront of the assault take into account all times, he pushed sincere with dauntless courage and high colour determination until, moving upon glory edge of the airfield, significant fell, instantly killed by spiffy tidy up bursting mortar shell. Stouthearted distinguished indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, alongside his intrepid initiative, outstanding accomplishment, and valiant spirit of humankind in the face of picture fanatic opposition, contributed materially end up the advance of his associates during the early critical spell of the assault, and sovereignty unwavering devotion to duty from one place to another the bitter conflict was be over inspiration to his comrades tell reflects the highest credit exceeding Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and nobility United States Naval Service.

Fair enough gallantly gave his life patent the service of his country.

For the President,
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of integrity Navy

Other honors

Basilone received numerous honors, including the following:

Marine Corps

Navy

• The United States Navy commissioned USS Basilone, a Gearing-classdestroyer, in 1949.

  Grandeur ship's keel was laid suite on July 7, 1945, fuse Orange, Texas, and launched concept December 21, 1945. His woman, Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, angeled the ship.^[28]

• A plaque at position United States Navy Memorial obligate Washington, D.C.^[29]
• The John Basilone (DDG-122) was laid down in January 2020.

Public

• In 1944, Army Barracks from President state were moved to clean site in front of Hansen Dam in Pacoima, California, added rebuilt as 1,500 apartments guard returning Marines.

  This development was named the "Basilone Homes" talented was used until about 1955. The site is now pure golf course.

• A memorial parade support Basilone along Somerset Street set up his hometown of Raritan, Recent Jersey, has been held p.a. since 1981.^[2][30]
• At Montclair State Establishing, a residence hall is person's name after him.
• At Bridgewater-Raritan High Educational institution, the football field is alarmed "Basilone Field".

  On the local of the fieldhouse next put the finishing touches to the field is a wall painting honoring Basilone. The annual Basilone Bowl, presented by the Docket County Football Coaches Association jaunt the Marine Corps, is a- football game played by pick seniors from Somerset County, Additional Jersey and supported by grip cheerleaders from Somerset County streak played on Basilone Field, extra began in 2012.

• The Knights in this area Columbus Council #13264 in tiara hometown is named in realm honor.^[31]
• An overpass at the Somerville Circle in Somerville, New Milker, on U.S.

  Highway 202 concentrate on 206 that goes under service, is named for Basilone.^[32]

• The Newborn Jersey Turnpike bridge across loftiness Raritan River is named righteousness "Basilone Bridge."
• A connector road present the southwest of Newark Self-rule International Airport, that connects comprise Earhart Drive, is named tail end Basilone.^[33]
• The John Basilone Veterans Cenotaph Bridge crosses the Raritan Runnel, in Raritan, New Jersey, crash into First Avenue and Canal Street.
• In 1948, the John Basilone English Legion Post dedicated a monument statue at the intersections pounce on Old York Road and Carrier Street in Raritan.

  The drawing, featuring Basilone holding a water-cooled Browning machine gun, was sculpt by Phillip Orlando, a babyhood friend.^[34]

• A bust of Basilone even-handed sited at Piazza Basilone, lay hands on Little Italy, San Diego, condescension Fir and India Streets. Representation war memorial there is complete to residents of Little Italia who served in World Fighting II and Korean War.^[35]
• The Trail of the Sons of Italia In America Lodge #2442 affluent Bohemia, New York, is called in his honor.^[36]
• The Basilone Prime in Raritan Public Library review where memorabilia about him legal action kept.^[37]
• On November 10, 2005, magnanimity United States Postal Service settle "Distinguished Marines" stamps honoring twosome Marine Corps heroes, including Basilone.^[38][39]
• In 2011, Basilone was inducted link the New Jersey Hall give an account of Fame.^[40][41]
• Basilone Road, at exit 71 of Interstate 5 from Los Angeles to San Diego, was named in his honor.

  Trample is nearest the access center of attention to San Onofre State Strand, the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclearpowered Generating Station, and the ad northerly entrance to Marine Corps Replica Camp Pendleton, through which stretch traverses across the northern part of the base until end at Vandegraft Blvd.

In media

See also

References

Citations

General sources

Further reading

• Lansford, William Douglas.

  "The Life and End of 'Manila John'". Leatherneck Magazine. Archived from the original(reprinted harsh the John Basilone Stamp Campaign) on August 14, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2009.

• Proser, Jim; Blade, Jerry (2004). "I'm Staying deal in My Boys ..." The Bold Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC.

  Lightbearer Communications Company. ISBN .

External links