Commentary by Justin Taylan
Basilone in the United States
The episode begins with the exhausted 1st Marines recuperating on Pavuvu, then switches back to the United States where Sgt John Basilone is interviewed with his brothers Angelo and Carlo on NBC radio in New York. Afterwards, they visit their parents at home in Raritan, New Jersey.
Camp Pendleton
Basilone's request to return to combat was finally granted. On December 27, 1943 he was assigned to Camp Pendleton near San Diego and begins training the 5th Marines. This base is still active today and the adjacent portion of I-5 freeway named "Basilone Road" in his honor.
Sgt Lena Mae Riggi
The episode also revolves around Basilone meets Sgt Lena Mae Riggi at Camp Pendleton. The United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established in 1942 to provide women for stateside duty. Lena and John fall in love and were married on July 10, 1944. Today, the Women's Reserve is no more. Female Marines serve in any occupational field except combat infantry, artillery or armor. Lena passed away in 1999 at age 86 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery at plot 50 grave 5557 with the epitaph "wife of Sgt John Basilone USMC".
Charles H. Tatum
One of the the Marines training at Camp Pendleton is Charles "Chuck" Tatum. Much of this episode is based on Tatum's memoirs, Red Blood Black Sand who trained with Basilone at Camp Pendleton and fought with him on Iwo Jima. Tatum has been featured in several documentaries and has a website, MarinesWWII.com.
Tatum writes in Red Blood Black Sand his first memories of meeting Basilone:
"We had heard about him in Boot Camp! This was like meeting a movie star, or President of the United States! I noticed my knees were trembling from excitement. My bunk mate revealed later he had experienced the same feelings similar to mine... Al living legend was going to be in our company... I wondered to myself, 'How do you talk to a legend?'... I reached the conclusion if you are seventeen and in awe of heroes like Sergeant Basilone, you wait until they spoke to you." Tatum also recalls the "Basilone Bail", a simple device that allowed a 30 caliber machine gun to carry the weapon without touching the hot barrel, or fire from the hip without the tripod.
Iwo Jima
On February 19, 1945 the Marines landed on Iwo Jima. The episode depicts Basilone flanking a blockhouse and single handedly destroyed it using grenades and demolition charges. Afterwards, he exposed himself to fire advancing towards Motoyama No. 1 Airfield and guided a tank, then was killed. Posthumously, he earned the Navy Cross, the Marines second highest award for valor.
Tatum observed Basilone's death and wrote in Red Blood Black Sand:
"Gunny Basilone was coming back with more men! I hear Jap rounds impact on the men 75 yards away from the 'safety' of our shell hole. I watched in horror as the explosion tore the troops apart... It looked like Sergeant Basilone was down. Nobody was moving... 'We will all miss you,' I mused, tears stinging my grime-covered face. 'I'll miss the cocky smile, shining, curly black hair, piss-cutter [cap] set at a jaunty angle over one large ear... For me at least no none could ever be like him."
The first day of the invasion resulted in 2,400 American casualties. Afterwards, Basilone was buried in the US Cemetery on Iwo Jima. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, section 12, grave 384 on April 20, 1948.
Navy Cross 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." |
References
IMDb - The Pacific (2010) Iwo Jima (S1E8)
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Basilone at home eating a pasta meal
His father, Salvador Basilone
John Basilone and Lena's wedding
Charles Tatum in uniform
Charles Tatum today
Marines pay their respects at Basilone's grave on Iwo Jima
5th Marines Cemetery on Iwo Jima
Aerial view of Iwo Jima in 1995 by Sean Prizeman
Destroyed bunker and 140mm gun
Invasion beach and Mount Suribachi
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