Mitchell Paige, USMC: Medal of Honor Recipient

2nd Lt. Mitchell Paige wearing his Medal of Honor at the ceremony.

Colonel Mitchell Paige (August 31, 1918 – November 15, 2003) was a recipient of the Medal of Honor from World War II. He received this, the highest military honor awarded by the United States of America, for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands on October 26, 1942, where, after all of the other Marines in his platoon were killed or wounded, he operated four machine guns, single-handedly stopping an entire Japanese regiment.

Paige was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. His parents were Serb immigrants who arrived in the United States from the Military Frontier of Austria-Hungary, their last name being Pejić. His mother kept him and his brother in touch with their roots, reminding them of the Battle of Kosovo, but also told them to be proud Americans. His family later moved to the Camden Hills neighborhood of West Mifflin. He graduated from McKeesport High School before enlisting in the US Marines.

Paige enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 1, 1936 at Baltimore, Maryland and completed his boot camp training at Parris Island, South Carolina. In November 1936, he was transferred to Quantico, Virginia and later served as a gunner aboard the USS Wyoming. While aboard the Wyoming he took part in maneuvers via Panama to San Clemente Island off the coast of California. In February 1937, he was transferred to Mare Island Navy Yard for guard duty, and two months later was ordered to Cavite in the Philippine Islands. While on Cavite he became a member of the All-Navy-Marine baseball team, which gained prominence throughout the Islands and the Orient. He served in China from October 1938 to September 1939 and during his tour he guarded American property during the famous Tientsin flood. He left North China and returned to the U.S. in April 1940 for guard duty at the Brooklyn and Philadelphia Navy Yards. In September 1940 he rejoined the 5th Marines, at Quantico, and the following month participated in maneuvers at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Culebra, Puerto Rico.

In March 1941, he was transferred back to the States and ordered to New River, North Carolina, to help construct and prepare a new training base for Marines, which later became Camp Lejeune.

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was once more sent overseas with the 7th Marines and landed at Apia, British Samoa. From Samoa, the 7th Marines went to Guadalcanal, landing in September 1942. He earned the nation’s highest decoration for heroism, the Medal of Honor, during the campaign for Guadalcanal in October 1942, when he made a desperate lone stand against enemy Japanese after they had broken through the lines and killed or wounded all of the Marines in his machine gun section. Platoon Sergeant Paige fired his machine gun until it was destroyed, then moved from gun to gun, keeping up a withering fire until he finally received reinforcements. He later led a bayonet charge that drove the Japanese back and prevented a breakthrough in American lines.

While on Guadalcanal he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the field on December 19, 1942. He remained on the island until January 1943, when he went to Melbourne, Australia, with the 1st Marine Division. The Marine Corps’ World War II Commandant, Gen Alexander A. Vandegrift, presented the Medal of Honor to 2nd Lieutenant Paige there in the spring of 1943. In June 1943, he was promoted to first lieutenant.

In September 1943, 1st Lieutenant Paige left with the 1st Marine Division for New Guinea where they joined the 6th Army for the attack on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 26 December 1943. In May 1944, the Division left Cape Gloucester for a rest area in the Russell Islands, Pavuvu. In July 1944, 1st Lieutenant Paige was sent back to the States and assigned duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was promoted to captain February 28, 1945. In June 1945, Capt. Paige became Tactical Training Officer at Camp Matthews, California, and the following September, was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot as a recruit training officer. He was placed on inactive duty in May 1946, returning to active duty again in July 1950, and was assigned duty at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California.

He was later transferred to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at San Diego, California, as Plans and Operations Officer of the 2d Recruit Training Battalion. At this time, he also went on a special assignment as Plans and Training Officer in charge of setting up a Platoon Leader’s Course training program for the Special Training Company. He was promoted to the rank of major on January 1, 1951.

In October 1951, Major Paige became Executive Officer of the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, until October 1952, when he was transferred to the 4th Special Junior Course at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. He attended school there until May 1953, then served as Division Recruiting Officer, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, until February 1954.

Major Paige was next assigned to Sub-Unit #2, Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, San Francisco, California, serving as Officer in Charge, Division Non-Commissioned Officers School until April 1955. During this period, he also served briefly as Assistant Officer in Charge of Sub-Unit #1.

From there he served as Battalion Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, from April 1955 until August 1955 when he reported to the 12th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District to serve as Officer in Charge of Marine Corps Recruiting Station in San Francisco. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in May 1957.

In August 1957, Lieutenant Colonel Paige was assigned duty as Inspector-Instructor, 7th Infantry Battalion, USMCR, at San Bruno, California, until August 1958, when he was detached to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.

In May 1959, he entered the U.S. Army Language School in Monterey, California, and remained there for nine months until he was ordered to the Marine Barracks, U.S. Naval Station, San Diego, California, to serve as Executive Officer until October 1959. He was placed on the Disability Retired List on 1 November 1959 and for being specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat he was promoted to colonel upon retirement.

Paige retired in 1959 with the rank of Colonel. In retirement, Paige wrote a book about his experiences titled A Marine Named Mitch (published in 1975). In his later years, he served to ferret out imposters wearing or selling the Medal of Honor.

On November 15, 2003, Paige died of congestive heart failure at his home in La Quinta, California at the age of 85. He was the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient of the Guadalcanal campaign. He was buried with full military honors at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

Through his life Paige received numerous awards both as a member of the military and as a civilian. In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, he was also an Eagle Scout and had a G.I. Joe action figure designed in his likeness.

Among his numerous military decorations were: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal with Base clasp, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Medal of Honor Citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

PLATOON SERGEANT MITCHELL PAIGE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on October 26, 1942. When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, Platoon Sergeant Paige, commanding a machine-gun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he manned his gun, and when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

/S/ FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

In 1998, Paige served as the model for a G.I. Joe action figure. His was the Marine Corps figure in a series honoring Medal of Honor recipients from each branch of the U.S. military.

A Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to Paige in 1999, recognizing him as one of five Medal of Honor recipients from the Southern California desert area.

A museum at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base is dedicated to him.

Paige was presented with the Eagle Scout award by the Boy Scouts of America on March 24, 2003, which he had earned in 1936, his last year in high school, but had never received because he had left home to join the Marine Corps. (He is one of nine known Eagle Scouts who have received the Medal of Honor.) Paige is also a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

On May 2, 2006, the Desert Sands Unified School District honored Paige by naming its newest school the Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School. The school opened in the Fall of 2006 in La Quinta, California.

The Eldred World War II Museum in Eldred, Pennsylvania, holds an exhibit dedicated to him, named “Mitchell Paige Hall.” Paige donated his entire collection of military memorabilia to the Eldred facility, including his Medal of Honor.

Nickname: Mitch

Born: August 31, 1918, Charleroi, Pennsylvania

Died: November 15, 2003 (aged 85), La Quinta, California

Place of burial: Riverside National Cemetery

Allegiance: United States of America

Service/branch: United States Marine Corps

Years of service: 1936–1959

Rank: Colonel

Unit: 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines

Battles/wars:

World War II

Battle of Guadalcanal

Cape Gloucester

Korean War

Awards:

Medal of Honor

Purple Heart

Presidential Unit Citation

2nd Lt. Mitchell Paige accepts congratulations from Maj. Gen. A.A. Vandegrift of the 1st Marine Division, after receiving the Medal of Honor.

2nd Lt. Mitchell Paige accepts congratulations from Maj.Gen. A.A. Vandegrift of the 1st Marine Division, after receiving the Medal of Honor.

Platoon Sergeant Mitchell Paige. Note Medal of Honor ribbon above ribbon bars.

Pvt. Mitchell Paige.

Sgt. Mitchell Page leads bayonet charge in final moments of battle on Guadalcanal.

Mitchell Paige's grave site.

The box for the G.I. Joe action figure designed in his likeness.

The Mitchell Paige G.I. Joe figure. Note the small Medal of Honor with ribbon next to the figure’s left foot.

The Mitchell Paige G.I. Joe figure with machine gun and wearing the small Medal of Honor with ribbon.

 

John Basilone, USMC: Medal of Honor Recipient

Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, September 1943. (USMC Archives)

John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II.

He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines. He was deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal. In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor.

In February 1945, he was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named in his honor.

Early Life

Basilone was born in his parents' home in Buffalo, New York, on November 4, 1916. He was the sixth of ten children in an Italian American family. His older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey, where the family returned after leaving Buffalo in 1918. Basilone attended St. Bernard Parochial School in Raritan, and after completing middle school at age 15, went to work as a golf caddy at the local country club, forgoing high school.

Military Service

U.S. Army

Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934 at the age of 17. His first posting was with the 16th Infantry Regiment at Fort Jay, New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry Regiment. He completed the final two years of his enlistment serving in the Philippines, where he was a champion boxer, earning the ring nickname "Manila John." He was discharged from the Army in 1937 at the rank of private.

After Basilone returned to the United States, he worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland. After a few years, he had the desire to return to the Philippines, where he had enjoyed life as a soldier, and believed he could get there faster by serving in the Marine Corps rather than in the Army.

U.S. Marine Corps

Basilone enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 11, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, followed by training at Quantico and New River. His first posting was Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, in September 1940. In January 1941, Basilone was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and was promoted to corporal in May. In January 1942, he was promoted to sergeant, and arrived in the Pacific in May as part of a Marine detachment sent to defend Samoa.

Guadalcanal

On September 18, 1942, the 7th Marine Regiment landed on the island of Guadalcanal. On October 24, during the Battle for Henderson Field, Basilone's 1st Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Chesty Puller, came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns. Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns in D Company, which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into the rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived.

When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and a machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor. Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina, recalled from the battle for Guadalcanal:

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

Basilone was formally awarded the Medal of Honor during a ceremony on May 21, 1943, and on June 1, he was promoted to platoon sergeant.

War Bond Tours

In August 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours. His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held a parade in his honor when he returned. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News. After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. Although he appreciated the admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front. He was offered an officer's commission, which he declined, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. On December 27, 1943, Basilone left for training at Camp Pendleton, California, and on March 8, 1944, he was promoted to gunnery sergeant. On July 3, he reenlisted in the Marine Corps.

Marriage

While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi, who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California, on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon.

Iwo Jima and Death

After his request to return to the fleet was approved, Basilone was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around the side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison.

He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. He guided the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Basilone was killed as he moved along the edge of the airfield. Original reports indicated he was hit by Japanese mortar shrapnel, although author Hugh Ambrose, following his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific, suggested that a burst of small arms fire hit him in the groin, neck, and left arm.

Basilone's actions helped Marines penetrate the Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima.

Burial

He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia. His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring.

Awards and Decorations

Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include:

Medal of Honor

Navy Cross

Purple Heart

Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

American Defense Service Medal with one star

American Campaign Medal

Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars

World War II Victory Medal

United States Marine Corps Rifle Sharpshooter badge

Medal of Honor Citation

Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

SERGEANT

JOHN BASILONE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

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.

[S] FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Navy Cross Citation

Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

GUNNERY SERGEANT

JOHN BASILONE

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

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 advance 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.

For the President,

JAMES FORRESTAL

Secretary of the Navy

Other Honors

Basilone received numerous honors, including the following:

Marine Corps

An entry point onto Camp Pendleton from US Interstate 5 is called "Basilone Road".

US Interstate 5 from the San Diego County line to Camp Pendleton to the south is called "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway".

A parachute landing zone at Camp Pendleton is called "Basilone Drop Zone".

During the Crucible portion of Marine Corps Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, there is an obstacle named "Basilone's Challenge" that consists of carrying ammunition cans filled with concrete up a steep, wooded hill.

Navy

The United States Navy commissioned USS Basilone, a Gearing-class destroyer, in 1949. The ship's keel was laid down on July 7, 1945, in Orange, Texas, and launched on December 21, 1945. His widow, Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, sponsored the ship.

A plaque at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The John Basilone (DDG-122) was laid down in January 2020.

Public

In 1944, Army Barracks from Washington state were moved to a site in front of Hansen Dam in Pacoima, California, and rebuilt as 1,500 apartments for returning Marines. This development was named the "Basilone Homes" and was used until about 1955. The site is now a golf course.

A memorial parade for Basilone along Somerset Street in his hometown of Raritan, New Jersey, has been held annually since 1981. In 2022, five blocks of West Somerset Street were renamed "Basilone Boulevard."

At Montclair State University, a residence hall is named after him.

At Bridgewater-Raritan High School, the football field is called "Basilone Field". On the wall of the fieldhouse next to the field is a mural honoring Basilone. The annual Basilone Bowl, presented by the Somerset County Football Coaches Association and the Marine Corps, is a football game played by select seniors from Somerset County, New Jersey and supported by select cheerleaders from Somerset County and played on Basilone Field, and began in 2012.

The Knights of Columbus Council #13264 in his hometown is named in his honor.

An overpass at the Somerville Circle in Somerville, New Jersey, on U.S. Highway 202 and 206 that goes under it, is named for Basilone.

The New Jersey Turnpike bridge across the Raritan River is named the "Basilone Bridge."

A connector road at the southwest of Newark Liberty International Airport, that connects to Earhart Drive, is named after Basilone.

The John Basilone Veterans Memorial Bridge crosses the Raritan River, in Raritan, New Jersey, at First Avenue and Canal Street.

In 1948, the John Basilone American Legion Post dedicated a memorial statue at the intersections of Old York Road and Canal Street in Raritan. The statue, featuring Basilone holding a water-cooled Browning machine gun, was sculpted by Phillip Orlando, a childhood friend.

A bust of Basilone is sited at Piazza Basilone, in Little Italy, San Diego, at Fir and India Streets. The war memorial there is dedicated to residents of Little Italy who served in World War II and Korean War.

The Order of the Sons of Italy In America Lodge #2442 in Bohemia, New York, is named in his honor.

The Basilone Room in Raritan Public Library is where memorabilia about him is kept.

On November 10, 2005, the United States Postal Service issued "Distinguished Marines" stamps honoring four Marine Corps heroes, including Basilone.

In 2011, Basilone was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Basilone Road, at exit 71 of Interstate 5 from Los Angeles to San Diego, was named in his honor. It is nearest the access point to San Onofre State Beach, the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, and the northern entrance to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, through which it traverses across the northern portion of the base until terminating at Vandegraft Blvd.

In Media

HBO's 10-part miniseries The Pacific (2010) is based on the intertwined stories of Basilone and fellow Marines Robert Leckie and Eugene Sledge. Basilone is portrayed by actor Jon Seda.

Further Reading

Lansford, William Douglas. "The Life and Death of 'Manila John'". Leatherneck Magazine. Archived from the original (reprinted by the John Basilone Stamp Campaign) on August 14, 2011.

Proser, Jim; Cutter, Jerry (2004). "I'm Staying with My Boys ..." The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC. Lightbearer Communications Company.

Basilone receiving the Medal of Honor in 1943. (USMC photo)

"Marine Congressional Medal of Honor Hero Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, recently visited the Marine Headquarters at Washington, DC. Pl. Sgt. Basilone's home is Raritan, NJ. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty." (USMC photo)

"Marine Congressional Medal of Honor Hero Interviewed. Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, recently visited the Marine Headquarters at Washington, DC. Pl. Sgt. Basilone's home is Raritan, NJ. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "Extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty." Here, he is pictured being interviewed by a Wave, Yeoman 3/c Sigrid Shield." (USMC photo)

"Marine Congressional Medal of Honor Hero Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, recently visited the Marine Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Here, he is pictured telling Corporal Margaret Beerworth, USMCWR, some of his experiences on Guadalcanal. Corporal Beerworth's home is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sergeant Basilone, of Raritan, New Jersey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty." (USMC photo)

"Marine Congressional Medal of Honor Hero Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, recently visited the Marine Headquarters at Washington, DC. Pl. Sgt. Basilone's home is Raritan, NJ. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty."" (USMC photo)

"Marine Congressional Medal of Honor Hero Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, recently visited the Marine Headquarters at Washington, DC. Pl. Sgt. Basilone's home is Raritan, NJ. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty."" (USMC photo)

Guadalcanal Campaign, 7 August 1942 – 9 February 1943. Press Query About Hero’s Father Brings a Smile. Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, broke out in this big smile in the pres room at the Navy Department, September 2, 1943, when in the course of an interview, a reporter asked about his Italian-born father. Asked what his father thought of him serving in the Marines, Basilone smiled and answered simply, “My father likes this country.” The Marine sergeant was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Guadalcanal.  2 September 1943. Basilone later died at the Battle for Iwo Jima, February 19, 1945, during that D-Day invasion. (U.S. Navy photo)

Platoon Sergeant John Basilone, USMC. (USMC photo)

Left to right: Alexander Vandegrift, Merritt Edson, Mitchell Paige, and John Basilone in Australia on 21 May 1943. During award presentation of Medals of Honor to Paige and Basilone by Vandegrift. (USMC photo)

Basilone after the medal ceremony in Australia on 21 May 1943. (USMC photo)

John and Carolyn posed for a photograph at The 400 Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in Washington, DC, 30 September 1943. (USMC photo)

John and Carolyn posed for a photograph at Herb Sachs' Del Rio in Washington, DC, October 1943. (USMC photo)

John Basilone's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 12, Site 384).

Sergeant Lena Mae Basilone, USMC(WR), ship's sponsor, prepares to christen the destroyer USS Basilone (DD-824) at the Consolidated Steel Corporation shipyard, Orange, Texas, on 21 December 1945. She was the widow of Gunnery Sergeant John J. Basilone, USMC, in whose honor the ship was named. (Naval History & Heritage Command photo NH 103377)

Dedication sign for the Basilone Memorial Bridge. The bridge, which opened along with the New Jersey Turnpike in 1951 is named for John Basilone, a World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor who grew up in nearby Raritan. 

Sign in Raritan, New Jersey, designating a section of West Somerset Street as Basilone Boulevard.

Basilone statue in Raritan, NJ.