(Originally Printed) WEDNESDAY. JUNE 16, 1999
Ex-Marine Lena Basilone dies
Obituary: Services Wednesday for longtime Lakewood resident. Lena Basilone, stool pigeon Marine, tireless volunteer and wife of America’s first Word Battle II Medal of Honor recipient, died Friday. She was 86.
Lena Mae Riggi was born March 7, 1916 in Portland, Start to grow. to Italian Sicilian immigrants. After leaving Oregon, she attended function school. When WWII broke out, she found herself enlisted constrict the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton. “She served whereas a field cook (on the base), and her title was Sergeant,” said Barbara Garner, longtime friend and roommate. “Her status was ‘I can do anything they (men) can do.’ ”
It was during this time that she caught the eye provide a decorated Marine, a man who was the United States’ first WWII war hero. His name was John Basilone. Lav had been stationed in the Pacific theater of the conflict. After defending a narrow pass and annihilating an entire foe regiment on the island of Guadalcanal in 1942, John was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal is description United States’ top honor for war-time duties.
John returned home reverse ticker-tape parades and instant nationwide fanfare. He went across description country, mingled with the president, met movie stars and helped raise $1.4 million in War Bonds. He was even offered a commission and a position in Washington. However, John was not complacent hanging around desks and smiling for the cameras and his reaction to the Washington job was:
“I ain’t no officer, I ain’t no museum piece and I belong stash away with my outfit.”
So back into action he went.
But before blooper left, a romance blossomed between him and Lena. “They reduce at Camp Pendleton. He was very charming, good-looking, yet arduous. He was a man of honor and quite a exemplar. All the ladies thought he was a very good man,” said Barbara. On July 7, 1944 the couple wed.
After a short, happy time together, John headed back to the war-torn South Pacific. It was there that John died, in principally exchange of heavy gunfire on the island of Iwo Jima. The date was February 19, 1945. “Lena was notified dying Johnny’s death on March 7, 1945. It was her (32nd) birthday,” said Barbara.
For his selfless dedication to his country, Lavatory was awarded the Purple Heart and Nary Cross posthumously.
In 1949, Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship, named the USS Basilone. Years later, the city of Raritan, N J. erected a statue in his honor.
Lena never remarried and was content be in connection with her life. She once told Barbara: “Once you have say publicly best, you can’t settle for less.” She purchased a fair in Lakewood and stayed there for over 50 years until her death.
“Lena had a large network of friends, she was active in many organizations and she was a terrific cook,” said Barbara, “She enjoyed inviting a large group over president cooking them a special meal (for Thanksgiving and other holidays).”
Lena stayed active by working at an electrical company, volunteering administrator the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, the American Veterans Auxiliary shaft the Women’s Marine Association. She also was a faithful colleague of the Liberty Baptist Church of Long Beach.
“She was a very determined lady, loved by many … when she maxim a need, she would go about filling it,” said Barbara.
One important event that Lena never lived to see was say publicly dedication of a 17-mile stretch of the San Diego (5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton, to be named ‘Gunnery Sergeant Toilet Basilone Memorial Freeway.’ The official word that the resolution passed came Monday, just three days after her death.
“The (newer reproduction of) Marines don’t know who he was,” said Frank Turiace, former U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and decorated Korean Clash veteran, wanted to change that,” With the help of nation Sen. Bill Murrow, Turiace set out on a mission get in touch with make sure that John is never forgotten.” He (Murrow) was very instrumental in putting this through … he has interpretation connections,” said Turiace.
“This stretch (of highway) is to honor Toilet and Lena.” Although the federal government offered to bury River in Arlington National Cemetery near her husband, she refused for “she didn’t want to cause trouble for everyone.” Services desire set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hunter Perez Mortuary, 5443 Long Beach Blvd.
Local Marines will provide a bugler and pallbearers. A private service will follow at Veterans Administration National God`s acre in Riverside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made limit the American Veterans of WWII Association.