John Basilone
November 4, 1916 - February 19, 1945
Nickname	"Manila John"
Place of birth	Buffalo, New York
Place of death	Iwo Jima, KIA
Allegiance	USMC
Years of service	1934-1937 (U.S. Army) 1940-1945 (USMC)
Rank	Gunnery Sergeant
Unit	1st Battalion 7th Marines
Battles/wars	Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Iwo Jima
Awards	Medal of Honor Navy Cross Purple Heart

Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, United States Marine Corps, (November 4, 1916–February 19, 1945), was a Medal of Honor recipient for his outstanding heroism at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. He was killed in action on D-day, February 19, 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where his distinguished bravery was honored with a posthumously awarded Navy Cross. He is the only enlisted Marine in WW II to have received the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, and the Purple Heart. Basilone is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He is probably best known for having held off 3,000 Japanese troops at Guadalcanal after his 15-member unit was reduced to three. [1] Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1600x2000, 1368 KB) Summary John Basilone, USMC, Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Purple Heart recipient for his bravery in WW II. Image from USMC biography[1] Licensing File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old... Image File history File links MoH.jpg Medal of Honor - highest United States military honor Licensing The graphic above is a representation of an award or decoration of the U.S. military, created by the military or the Department of Defense. ... Nickname: City of Good Neighbors Location of Buffalo in New York State County Erie County Mayor Byron Brown Area    - City 136. ... Landsat photo of Iwo Jima, circa 2006 Iwo Jima   (Japanese 硫黄島 Iōtō, or Iōjima, meaning sulfur island) is a volcanic island in Japan, part of the Volcano Islands (the southern part of the Ogasawara Islands), approximately 650 nautical miles (1200 km) south of Tokyo (24°472N, 141... Militaries use the term killed in action (KIA) as a casualty classification. ... This article is becoming very long. ... Gunnery Sergeant insignia (U.S. Marine Corps) Gunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer. ... The 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment (1/7) is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. ... Operation Watchtower On August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division performed an amphibious landing east of the Tenaru River. ... Combatants United States Empire of Japan Commanders Holland Smith Tadamichi Kuribayashi † Strength 77,000 marines 20,700 infantry Casualties 6,821 dead 20,000 wounded 18,000 dead 1,083 survived The Battle of Iwo Jima (Operation Detachment) was fought between the United States of America and the Empire of... This article is about the U.S. military award. ... The Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. ... The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in, or with, the U.S. military after April 5, 1917. ... This article is becoming very long. ... November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 57 days remaining. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1945 (MCMVL) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ... This article is about the U.S. military award. ... Operation Watchtower On August 7, 1942, the 1st Marine Division performed an amphibious landing east of the Tenaru River. ... Combatants Major Allied powers: United Kingdom Soviet Union United States Republic of China and others Major Axis powers: Nazi Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Harry Truman Chiang Kai-Shek Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tojo Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead... Land on Normandy In military parlance, D-Day is a term often used to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1945 (MCMVL) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ... Combatants United States Empire of Japan Commanders Holland Smith Tadamichi Kuribayashi † Strength 77,000 marines 20,700 infantry Casualties 6,821 dead 20,000 wounded 18,000 dead 1,083 survived The Battle of Iwo Jima (Operation Detachment) was fought between the United States of America and the Empire of... The Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the second highest medal that can be awarded by the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. ... The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded in the name of the President of the United States to those who have been wounded or killed while serving in, or with, the U.S. military after April 5, 1917. ... Memorial Drive leads from the Lincoln Memorial, across the Potomac River, to the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, the portico of Arlington House is visible at top. ...

Biography

He was one of a family of ten children. Born in Buffalo, New York, on November 4, 1916, to Italian parents, he went to St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan, New Jersey and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. After completing his three-year enlistment in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer, he came home and went to work as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. Nickname: City of Good Neighbors Location of Buffalo in New York State County Erie County Mayor Byron Brown Area    - City 136. ... November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 57 days remaining. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... Raritan is a borough located in Somerset County, New Jersey. ... The United States Army is the largest branch of the United States armed forces and has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Reisterstown is a census-designated place located in Baltimore County, Maryland. ...

In July 1940, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in Baltimore, Maryland. Before going to the Solomon Islands he saw service at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in addition to training at the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, then called New River. Nickname: Monument City, Charm City, Mob Town, B-more, Bodymore, Murderland Motto: Get In On It (formerly The City That Reads and The Greatest City in America; BELIEVE is not the official motto but rather a specific campaign) Location of Baltimore in Maryland Coordinates: Country United States State Maryland County... ... The Marine Corps Base Quantico, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases in the world. ... Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,095 acre (32. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is near Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. ...

Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's buddies on Guadalcanal called him "Manila John" because he had served with the Army in the Philippines before enlisting in the Marine Corps.

The story about the 38 Japanese bodies comes from Private First Class Nash W. Phillips, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who was in the same unit with Basilone on Guadalcanal. US Military In the U.S. Army, Private First Class is the third lowest enlisted rank, just above Private and below Corporal or Specialist. ... Fayetteville is a city located in Cumberland County, North Carolina. ...

"Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest or food," Phillips recounted. "He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japs lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun but also using his pistol."

Basilone was serving with the 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima. On Red Beach II, he and his platoon were pinned down by enemy gunfire. He single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse, allowing his unit to capture an airfield. Minutes later he was killed by an enemy artillery round. The 27th Marine Regiment (27th Marines) is a deactiveated infantry regiment of the United States Marine Corps. ... The 5th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps was created during World War II for the Battle of Iwo Jima and the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands. ...

Medal of Honor citation

Basilone's bravery at Guadalcanal, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, is legendary. His Medal of Honor citation, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, reads: Official force name 7th Marine Regiment Other names 7th Marines Motto No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy. ... The 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest (active duty), and most decorated division-sized unit in the United States Marine Corps representing a combat-ready force of more than 19,000 men and women. ... FDR redirects here. ...

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. USN redirects here. ...

Navy Cross citation

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 advances 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. Navy Cross File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

For the President,
/s/ JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy

Memorials

Sgt Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), widow of John Basilone, prepares to christen the destroyer USS Basilone (21 December 1945)

His name is remembered with various honors: Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (740x620, 78 KB)Sgt Lena Basilone, widow of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone, getting ready to christen the U.S. Navy ship the USS Basilone (DD-824), December 21, 1945. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (740x620, 78 KB)Sgt Lena Basilone, widow of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone, getting ready to christen the U.S. Navy ship the USS Basilone (DD-824), December 21, 1945. ...

• The USS Basilone (DD-824), a U.S. Navy destroyer, commissioned in 1949.
• A section of U.S. Interstate 5, outside of Camp Pendleton, California, is named the "John Basilone Memorial Highway".
• Basilone Road, an entry point into Camp Pendleton from Interstate 5, is named after him
• Basilone Drop Zone on Camp Pendleton is named for John Basilone as well.
• The football field at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School is named "Basilone Field", and on the wall of the fieldhouse next to the field is a mural honoring Baslione.
• An overpass at the Somerville Circle, Somerville, New Jersey on US Highways 202 and 206 is named after Basilone.
• The New Jersey Turnpike bridge across the Raritan River is named the "Basilone Bridge".
• A memorial statue featuring a likeness of Sgt. Basilone holding a heavy machinegun is located at the intersections of Old York Road and Main Street in Raritan, New Jersey.
• A plaque at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Basilone's service to country and Corps was recognized with the November 10, 2005 issuance "Distinguished Marines" by the U.S. Postal Service stamps honoring four Marine Corps heroes. These stamps honored Basilone, Daniel J. Daly, John A. Lejeune, and Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller.[2] USS Basilone (DD/DDE-824) was a Gearing-class destroyer of the United States Navy, named for Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (1916–1945), who was awarded the Medal of Honor for “extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action. ... Interstate 5 (abbreviated I-5) is the westernmost interstate highway in the continental United States. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is near Oceanside, California. ... The Bridgewater-Raritan High School (commonly BRHS) is a four-year comprehensive public high school. ... The New Jersey Turnpike is a toll road in New Jersey and is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the United States. ... The Raritan River is a major river of central New Jersey in the United States. ... The Basilone Bridge is a bridge on the New Jersey Turnpike (concurrency with Route 95) in the U.S. state of New Jersey spanning the Raritan River. ... November 10 is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 51 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A USPS Truck at Night A U.S. Post Office sign The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the United States government organization responsible for providing postal service in the United States and is generally referred to as the post office. ... Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Dan Daly (11 November 1873 – 28 April 1937) was a United States Marine. ... Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, was born at Pointe Coupee, Louisiana, on 10 January 1867. ... Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell Chesty Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) was a United States Marine mustang officer, notable as the most decorated Marine in history. ...

See also

United States Marine Corps Portal

• List of Medal of Honor recipients

Image File history File links USMC_logo. ... The following is a partial list of Medal of Honor recipients. ...

References

• This article incorporates text from public domain material from the United States Marine Corps.
• Biography from the USMC Historical & Museum Divsion
• Arlington National Cemetery biography
• Medal of Honor biography

The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ...

External links

• Sgt. John Basilone Foundation
• John Basilone Development Company
• Destroyers Online - USS Basilone
• Destroyers.org USS Basilone
• John Basilone Parade
• Honoring One Marine To Remember Them All: WWII Hero Gets Plaque at Navy Memorial, Washington Post, by Alec MacGillis, May 29, 2006