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John Basilone. Section 12, Grave 384. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. During brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers. He returned home to a hero's welcome, including ...
Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone and Lena Basilone on their wedding day, July 10, 1944, at St. Mary's Star of the Sea in Oceanside, California. (Photo courtesy of St. Mary's Star of the Sea) The Last Stint. Gunny John Basilone received orders to return to the Pacific fight. The newlywed certainly knew what he was getting into.
John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II.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.
Raritan, New Jersey. A popular WWII hero known as "Manila John", Basilone refused a commission as an officer and reluctantly went on a war bond drive after his Medal of Honor action. He then requested return to combat duty and was killed in action at Iwo Jima, earning the Navy Cross for his heroism there.
Just 26 years old, Manila John Basilone had entered the ranks of the Marine Corps pantheon of heroes -- and shortly America would take the big, handsome Marine with jug ears and a smile like a neon sign to their hearts. The legend of a "Fighting Sergeant" was born. When the battle was over and his squad members interviewed, Sergeant Basilone ...
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 ...
Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was born to be a United States Marine. Ask any past or present Marine about the legendary New Jersey native and they’ll be able to rattle off facts in the same history ...
