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Medal of Honor 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 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."

[Textide]

Someone worth remembering while we 'enjoy the long weekend' as Harris said. He was a great Marine.

The Legend of John Basilone.

John Basilone (Wikipedia)

[M Kehoe]

Bttt.

5.56mm

[DFG]

The movie “Sands of Iwo Jima” pays homage to Sgt John Basilone. Basilone received the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Guadacanal. He was sent home for war bond drives but requested to be returned to combat. He did so and died on Iwo Jima. There is a photo of his body on Iwo Jima, face down and with his name visible, that is almost exactly the same pose that John Wayne is in.

[PROCON]

Bump!

[Getready]

Thank you.
Now I know why there is an off ramp on San Diego Freeway in area of Camp Pendleton (marine training) to a road called Basilone.

[nesnah]

He was from around where I grew up.

High school athletic fields are named in his honor.

[Sequoyah101]

I have reasoned that it is a mixture of pride in these men, sadness in their deaths and remorse that their sacrifice and honor are so maligned by so many sorry people that could not even hold a candle for these men to run by. Yet they gave their lives so that others they never knew could have the freedom to disrespect their memory, honor and sacrifice. I am given to weep at the thought of these things.

My uncle was a Gunny at Chosin with all the rest of those determined men saving themselves indeed but with amazing resolve to save each other. This has been our way in keeping with the highest traditions of service to our country and one another.

[bunkerhill7]

John Runs To the Sounds of Guns