In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. His actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. Year should not be greater than current year. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. In 1945, the U.S. Navy named a destroyer after Basilone, which his wife christened. For church, the Basilone Family attended the original St. Anns church which was a small wooden church where the rectory is located today. Born onNovember 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. Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer John Basilone Your Scrapbook is currently empty. [14] They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Donald Basilone, brother of Medal of Honor Recipient John Basilone, passed away at the age of 92. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Leading his gunners up the steep black sand, Basilone and his unit were pinned down by enemy machine gun fire. A proud Marine Corps name will return to the U.S. fleet. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. In Johns day kids played outside unsupervised. He was the only Marine to be awarded both The Medal Of Honor and The Navy Cross during World War II. Here's how much of The Pacific's John Basilone story really happened, as well as more detail onthe true events that shaped his legendary military career. cemeteries found in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. John Basilone was referred to as the towns biggest soda drinker. From fending off swathes of Japanese soldiers with just a machete at the battle forGuadalcanal to charging on foot with the Marine tank divisions at Iwo Jima, Basilone's tale is a highly stirring one. The Corps sent him to Guantnamo 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. 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. The No. Death of GySgt. Also preceding him in death were four sisters, Phyllis Cutter, Katherine Marino, Dolores Hawkins and Mary; and three other brothers, Angelo, Alphonse and George. They later married. He would settle in Raritan and meet Dora Bengivenga at a church dance. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. Resend Activation Email. The elder Mr. Basilone was a former member of the Sons of Italy and Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, located in Bridgewater. John Basilone Memorial Parade in Raritan NJ returns Sept. 18 After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. True to The Pacific's end Iwo Jima scene, Basilone sees severalMarine tankstrapped in an enemy minefield under constant mortar bombardment. View George W Basilone's memorial on Fold3. Basilone had inspired his son who has reenlisted and come from a distance to participate in the parade and reenactment. John Basilone 65 years ago on the volcanic rock island of Iwo Jima. However, in John's case, something got mixed up. The Pacific sees Basilone return to America to participate in a heavily-publicized tour to sell war bonds in 1934, in an effort to finance the country's heavy costs maintaining military pressure in the Pacific Theater. He was born on March 4, 1922 in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. arino (born Basilone), Mary Grace Basilone, Carlo Edward Basilone, Alphonse Francis Basilone, Giorgio W. " George" Basilone, Dolores Hawk Nov 4 1916 - Buffalo, Erie County, New York, USA, Salvatore Basilone, Theodora Basilone (born Bengivenga), Minnie Basiloni, Angelo Carlo Basilone, Carlo Edward Basilone, Minnie Basiloni, Angelo Carlo Basilone, Katherine Basiloni, Mary Basiloni, Carlo "charles" Edward Basilone, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, United States, Birth of GySgt. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. 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. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. (Today the Raritan Music Store has that building.) Learn more about managing a memorial . Each half of the home had just three bedrooms and one bathroom. As for local employment John Basilone had a couple of jobs. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Written by Laurence Andries, Bruce C. McKenna Directed by Bruce C. McKenna Basilone, "The Hero of Guadalcanal," continues on the bond drive tour with beautiful starlet Virginia Grey. Weve updated the security on the site. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Sgt. George William Basilone 1922 . John Basilone, who received the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his heroism in the Battle . There is a problem with your email/password. Then Catherine Mastice sang Manila John, just as she had done before on John Basilone Day on September 19th, 1943. In addition to his numerous medals, Basilone has received other accolades. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. These three Marine stories inexorably become intertwined over the course of The Pacific's 10-episode run, with the trio's tales converging in the 5th Marine division. The two-family house, once occupied on one side by the Basilones and the other side by the Bengivengas, was inherited by the Bengivenga family. Their favorite spot in the river was two blocks west of where the Basilone Statue is today. 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. (Yes those things do cost money easy to write about yet hard to find a donor.). www.identifymedals.com Identify Medals All rights reserved - 2023. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Carlo Edward Basilone I found on Findagrave.com. This account has been disabled. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Sgt. I'm Staying with My Boys The movie theatre was another popular place for kids to go to in Basilones youth. [22], Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:[23]. Try again later. After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. He never completely liked all the attention from receiving the Medal of Honor. Truly a Marine to whom all Marines aspire and an incredible individual that we can all admire,John Basilone is an excellent example of the brave men and women who fought and died in World War II. The official account of Basilone's heroism at Iwo Jima states the firstMarines landed on the beaches on February 19, 1945, with the Japanese concentrating their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified positions. It was a two-family home that was owned by Doras family. Basilone Medical File, "Abstract of Medial History", February 19, 1945, Basilone USMC Personnel File. Letter from George Basilone (John's brother) to Lena Basilone from Iwo John Basilone was referred to as the towns biggest soda drinker. He served three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines before joining the Marine Corps in 1940. Geni requires JavaScript! Failed to delete flower. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. The movie theatre was another popular place for kids to go to in Basilones youth. Created: 03 Sep 2008. He also worked at Gaburos Laundry which was located in Raritan on Farrand Street. 0 cemeteries found in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, USA. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the 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. Additionally, Basilone was a central character in the HBO seriesThe Pacific,appeared in the Distinguished Marines postage stamp series, and has another destroyer named after himJohn Basilonescheduled for commission in 2019. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps. He. That home was at the North-West corner of what is now Route 202 (and First Ave.) where the Shell Station is today. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Carlo Basilone (70651098)? GREAT NEWS! Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japaneseblockhouse, 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. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Boro of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Florence Nightingale: The Life and Medals of the Lady With the Lamp, Medals of Valor: The Origins of the Victoria Cross and Bar, Small-town Nurse Ellen Ainsworth Died Saving Patients in World War II. Brother of GySgt. Medal of Honor citation. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Basilone commanded two sections of machine gunsthat fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing, leaving ammunition critically low and their supply lines cut off from the rear. However, after being offered, and subsequently turning down, both a commission and a role as a military instructor, Basilone once again applied to re-enlist. The youngest of the 10 Basilone children, Mr. Basilone was himself a Marine, along with his brother George, joining the # MarineCorps in 1948 and serving overseas during the Korean War.. Mr. Basilone recently attended the christening of the U.S.S. Basilone was sent to Camp Pendleton in California to complete additional training for combat in the Pacificwhere he ended up meeting his wife, a fellow Marine Sergeant named Lena Mae Riggi. The building still stands, but today appears to have no tenants. Try again later. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. As he ran, Basilone killed several Japanese soldiers with his Colt .45 pistol. graduate of UEL, Charles spent several years in corporate analytics roles before committing to pursuing editing full time. Family members linked to this person will appear here. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. This led to the swimming The Incredible Story of John Basilone, U.S. Marine There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. The Basilones lived on one side of the house while a Bengivenga family lived on the other side. Basilone's heroics include an attempt to relocate his heavy machine gun, still hot from the extended fire, burning his hands in the process. Oops, something didn't work. With the 115th pick, the Chicago Bears . Johns father Salvatore Basilone came to this country from Italy in 1903 when he was just 19. 1 Home Entertainment Tech Resource. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. John Basilone (1916 - 1945) - Genealogy Due to his great acts of valor, Basilone was awarded theMedal of Honorand promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, becoming the first enlisted U.S. Marine to earn the Medal of Honor duringWorld War II. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. The First Ever Military Medal: Who Created it and Why. Raritan, Somerset County, New Jersey, USA. Many adults fortunate enough to own a car back then would think nothing of helping a few kids from town venture out somewhere. This is all done automatically when you use a link and at no extra cost to you. So, in this article we take a look at John Basilone when he was growing up in Raritan in the 1920s and early 1930s. [5][6] Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. There is a problem with your email/password. Alphonse F Basilone in New Jersey Death Index, 1920-1929, 1949-2017 Alphonse Francis Basilone in WikiTree view all Immediate Family Salvatore Basilone father Dora Basilone mother GySgt. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Try again later. JavaScript is disabled. Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to. Don Basilone, brother of the ship . Minutes later he was killed by an enemy artillery round. Failed to delete memorial. Basilone just wanted to be a plain Marine allegedly saying, I aint no officer and I aint no museum piece. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Most agree that he and several other Marines were killed by an artillery round that struck between them. All of them give different versions, but they agree that a mortar round killed John, which is the version found in written accounts. George Basilone Obituary (1922 - 2018) - Mentor, OH - News-Herald Over time the road that the house was on became a main road. Cowboys Miss On Kicker; Sign Gould? Jerry Reveals Plan Try again later. Coming Up On TV - December 08 / Jan 09 Christmas Special. cemeteries found in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Basilone's death on Iwo Jima may or may not be a case of this. Their favorite spot in the river was two blocks west of where the Basilone Statue is today. A system error has occurred. On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. Basilone Medical File, "Abstract of Medial History", February 19, 1945, Basilone USMC Personnel File. The Pacific Ep 5: The Pacific | Official Website for the HBO Series [3] Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Johns brother Carlo explained in a 2003 interview that across from the Basilone home was an open field that served as their playground. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Camp Pendleton honors Basilone with new Naval destroyer named after war It was open 1888-1938. 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, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. BASILONE, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. Copyright 2000-2023 M2N Limited E. & O.E. Try again later. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Oops, something didn't work. Related:The Pacific Cast Guide: What Each Character Looks Like In Real Life. Son of Salvatore Basilone and Dora Basilone Husband of Mary Elizabeth Basilone Brother of GySgt. After having 5 children Sal and Dora temporarily moved away from Raritan to Buffalo. He refused an opportunity to have President Franklin D. Roosevelt bestow the medal and instead opted to have the ceremony in the field with his unit. The ship is named for Gunnery. Search above to list available cemeteries. News of John's death, which had occurred on February 19th, 1945, did not reach home until March 8th, 1945, a Thursday. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. During his time in the Philippines, Basilonebecame a champion boxerand absolutely adored life in the Philippines. The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant John Manila John" Basilone (MCSN: 287506), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. But no one complained, as that is how things were back then. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the 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 theUnited States Naval Service. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. John Basilone. The only Marine in World War II to receive the two highest U.S. military medalstheMedal of Honorand theNavy Cross, John Basilone is an excellent example of a U.S. Marine and a fighter well deserving of the medals he received. The true story behind the character depicted in HBO's critically acclaimed, award-winning miniseries, The Pacific I'm Staying with My Boys is a firsthand look inside the life of one of the greatest heroes of the Greatest Generation. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. Brother of Angelo Basilone; Alfonso / Alphonse Basilone; Deloris Basilone; George / Giorgio Basilone; Mary Grace Basilone and 4 others; Phyllis Dorothy Basilone; Carlo Edward Basilone; Katherine Basilone and Private less. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19, 1943, and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities and the national press. Back then most soda consumption was not in the house, but at shops. ). The battle heroics of Raritans hometown hero John Basilone are well known, but what he did right here in his hometown is not well known. John still had four NCOs behind him as he approached the end of the runway. John Basilone - Wikipedia Spurred on by Basilone's bravery, the 27th regiment fought toward Iwo Jima'sAirfield Number 1 before becoming entrenched in the center of the day's bloodiest fighting. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. In December 1944, Basilone returned to the Pacific, headed toward Iwo Jima. CPL George William Basilone (1922-1990) - Find a You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. I belong back with my outfit.. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried, http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2627/basilone-john.php. There are two accounts of exactly how he died. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. The two-family house, once occupied on one side by the Basilones and the other side by the Bengivengas, was inherited by the Bengivenga family. George W Basilone: PERSON, pictures and information - Fold3 If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. For school John Basilone initially went to the Raritan Primary School which was located where the municipal building is today. It burnt down around 1980. During the battle, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Americans from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. In this field they played a variety of sports including baseball and football. The elder Mr. Basilone was a former member of the Sons of Italy and Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, located in Bridgewater. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. [20], He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. To compound the danger of kids playing outside without adult supervision back then was the fact that Raritan kids in the 1920s had access to transportation. Please reset your password. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. 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. HBO's dazzling miniseries The Pacific takes its narrative cues from real events, but how much of John Basilone's story really happened? [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. George W Basilone, Alphonse Francis Basilone, Carlo E Basilone, Mary Basilone, Catherine Basilone, Angelo C Basilone, Phyllis Minnie Basi 1940 - 113 First Avenue, Raritan, Bridgewater, Somerset, New Jersey, USA, Catherine Basilone, Mary Basilone, Alfonso Basilone, George Basilone, Delores Basilone, Donald Basilone, McClellan Gate, Arlington, Virginia, United States, Norwalk bills are listed With Fifth Marine Division. 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). For his actions during this battle, he received the United States military's highest award for bravery, the Medal of Honor.