Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was killed leading his heavy machine gun squad off the beach on Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945. He had just helped destroy an enemy blockhouse before he was hit by a mortar shell. He was the only Marine to be awarded both The Medal Of Honor and The Navy Cross during World War II. "Basilone Road" in Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California was named after him as well as the "Sgt. John Basilone Memorial Bridge" on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
His citation reads "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 machine guns, 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 gun crews, 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".
The United States Navy launched the destroyer "USS Basilone" (DDE/DD-824), named in his honor, in December 1945. It served from 1945 until 1977, when it was stricken from the Naval lists with a total of 32 years in service. His hometown, Raritan, NJ, holds an parade in his honor every September. It is the only parade in the country that honors a specific veteran.
On June 18, 2022, a new Navy guided missile Destroyer ship was christened "USS Basilone DDG-122" in honor of John Francis Basilone.
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was killed leading his heavy machine gun squad off the beach on Iwo Jima on February 19th, 1945. He had just helped destroy an enemy blockhouse before he was hit by a mortar shell. He was the only Marine to be awarded both The Medal Of Honor and The Navy Cross during World War II. "Basilone Road" in Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California was named after him as well as the "Sgt. John Basilone Memorial Bridge" on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
His citation reads "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 machine guns, 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 gun crews, 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".
The United States Navy launched the destroyer "USS Basilone" (DDE/DD-824), named in his honor, in December 1945. It served from 1945 until 1977, when it was stricken from the Naval lists with a total of 32 years in service. His hometown, Raritan, NJ, holds an parade in his honor every September. It is the only parade in the country that honors a specific veteran.
On June 18, 2022, a new Navy guided missile Destroyer ship was christened "USS Basilone DDG-122" in honor of John Francis Basilone.
Bio by: Frank Russo
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
GY SGT
US MARINE CORPS
WORLD WAR II
Gravesite Details
Originally buried on Iwo Jima and then disinterred and reburied at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family Members
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Phyllis Dorothy Basilone Brownson Cutter
1908–2004
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Angelo Carlo Basilone
1910–2002
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Catherine Marie Basilone Marino
1912–1967
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Mary Grace Basilone
1914–2001
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Carlo Edward Basilone
1915–2005
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Alphonse Francis Basilone
1920–1998
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CPL George William Basilone
1922–1990
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Delores Fay Basilone Hawkins
1928–2003
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Donald F. Basilone
1929–2022
Other Records
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