Did John Basilone wife ever remarry?
Her name was Lena Mae Riggi, a sergeant at the time serving as a field cook in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Her fellow female Marines fawned over Basilone and his heroism but she wasn’t impressed. She saw him as yet another patronizing Marine returning from war.
What happened to Basilone’s wife?
Widowed. Unfortunately, Basilone was killed in action on Iwo Jima. Lena received a telegram and went back to the beach, mourning him. After the war, Lena visited Basilone’s family and shares a moment, before giving them Basilone’s Medal of Honor.
Who was John Basilone wife?
Lena Mae Riggim. 1944–1945
John Basilone/Wife
How long were John and Lena Basilone married?
For Lena, her ‘great love’ never returned home from the Pacific. 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.
Did John Basilone survive the war?
He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. 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.
What did Lena Basilone do after the war?
Lena never remarried. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Women’s Marine Association, the American Veteran’s Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital.
What happened to John Basilone?
On February 19, 1945, Basilone was killed in action leading an assault off the beaches of Iwo Jima. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the only enlisted Marine to be honored with both the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor.
Was there a real John Basilone?
John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who 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 …
Where is Basilone buried?
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
John Basilone/Place of burial
Did Chesty Puller know John Basilone?
‘Chesty’ Puller, and I was personal friends with Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone … he always called me ‘Jackie’, just like my mom.” When Schoenecker fell ill with malaria, Basilone visited his parents to tell them he was alright. “Basilone visited my parents before going to Iwo,” he recalled.
How did John Basilone get killed?
Where was Lena Mae Riggi born and raised?
Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Her parents were Italian immigrants. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school.
How old was Lena Riggi Basilone when she died?
He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 — her 32nd birthday. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband’s honor.
Where did Lena Riggi Basilone serve in World War 2?
During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant. During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero.
When did John Basilone and Lena Mae get married?
During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific.