10/12/2026
MEDAL OF HONOR MONDAY:
GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE
Some men become heroes through a single act of courage. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone became a legend through a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and devotion to his fellow Marines.
Born on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Raritan, New Jersey, Basilone left school at a young age and enlisted in the Army in 1934. Serving in the Philippines, he earned the nickname "Manila John" for his reputation as a tough boxer and dedicated soldier. After returning home, he worked as a truck driver, but military service continued to call. In 1940, as war loomed across the globe, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
In September 1942, Basilone landed on Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine Division. On the night of October 24, Japanese forces launched a massive assault against Marine positions defending Henderson Field. As enemy attacks overwhelmed the line, Basilone's machine gun sections suffered devastating casualties. Refusing to retreat, he moved from position to position under constant fire, repaired damaged weapons, manned guns himself, and fought through enemy lines to deliver desperately needed am******on. His actions helped stop the attack and contributed to the destruction of an entire Japanese regiment.
For his extraordinary heroism, Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor.
After returning to the United States, Basilone became a national hero. The Marine Corps offered him a commission as an officer and a safe assignment away from combat. He declined. Although he faithfully served on war bond tours, he believed his place was alongside Marines on the front lines. He repeatedly requested a return to combat until the Marine Corps finally approved his transfer back to the Pacific.
In 1944, Basilone married Marine Women's Reserve Sergeant Lena Mae Riggi, then prepared for another deployment. Just months later, he landed with the 5th Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945.
When his unit was pinned down by a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Basilone charged forward through intense enemy fire, maneuvered into position, and single-handedly destroyed the stronghold with grenades and demolitions. Later that same day, he guided a trapped American tank through a dangerous minefield while under relentless mortar and artillery fire. Minutes afterward, a Japanese mortar round exploded near him, killing him instantly. He was only 28 years old.
For his gallantry on Iwo Jima, Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, making him one of the few Marines to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
Today, his legacy lives on through memorials, roads, bridges, military facilities, the USS John Basilone, and the Marines he continues to inspire. His medals are displayed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where future generations can learn the story of a Marine who repeatedly chose duty over personal safety.
John Basilone was more than a war hero. He was a Marine's Marine, a devoted husband, a fearless leader, and an enduring example of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
Semper Fidelis, Gunny. Your Corps and your Nation will never forget.
