TFH 10/25: Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, USMC

John Basilone was born November 4, 1916 in Buffalo, NY. His first military service was with the United States Army from 1934-1937. His desire to return to the Philippines - where he spent much of his Army time - led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in July of 1940.

The Philippines weren't in the cards. Basilone was stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba when the United States were plunged into World War II in December 1941. Beginning in August 1942 Basilone was serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines as part of the Guadalcanal Campaign in the Pacific under the legendary Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller.

In late October, the Battle for Henderson Field began on Guadalcanal. During the afternoon of October 24, 1942, Puller's 1st/7th Marines were deployed on a 2,500 yard front - more than three yards for each of the 700 Marines in the battalion. Around 0115 on October 25, our Marines were under heavy assault from a Japanese force with a four or five-to-one advantage. The only thing standing in their way were two heavy machine gun sections led by then Sergeant John Basilone.

From Medal of Honor Citations from World War II:

BASILONE, JOHN

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 4 November 1916, Buffalo, N.Y. Accredited to: New Jersey. Other Navy award: Navy Cross. Citation: 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. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. 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. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. 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. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. 

In 1943, Basilone found himself welcomed home States-side as a national hero. He was used by the Marines as a celebrity to boost recruiting and war bonds sales. Several times, he requested to be returned to combat, only to be told he was more valuable to the war effort doing what he was doing. He persisted. In December 1943, the Marine Corps relented and returned him to Camp Pendleton in California for training. While gearing up for a return to combat with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, John Basilone met Lena Mae Riggi, a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They married on July 10, 1944.

On February 19, 1945, John Basilone landed on Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine Division. After the battle, Admiral Chester Nimitz said of the Marines who fought there, "uncommon valor was a common virtue." John Basilone's uncommon valor - this time, at cost of his life - again was recognized, this time with the Navy Cross:

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

GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION: 

For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. 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. 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. 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. 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. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

John Basilone rests today in Arlington National Cemetery. His widow Lena christened her husband's namesake, the USS Basilone (DD-824) on December 21, 1945. That ship served the United States Navy until 1977. She passed away on June 11, 1999 at age 86, never having remarried.

The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines continues to serve or Nation today. Their nickname is the "First Team" and their motto is, "Pride, Devotion, Loyalty." John Basilone certainly belongs on the First Team of great Americans, and his pride, devotion, and loyalty to our Nation and his service and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty can not be questioned and must never be forgotten.