Introduction to Lena Mae Riggi
Lena Mae Riggi Basilone, born on March 7, 1913, was no ordinary woman. She was not just a loving spouse to a decorated war hero, but a remarkable individual who carved her own path in life. Her story is one of service, love, and unwavering dedication.
Early Life and Background
Born into an immigrant Italian family in the bustling city of Portland, Oregon, Lena’s early life was built on the foundations of hard work and determination. Her parents, who had journeyed to America in search of a better life, instilled in her the values of resilience and perseverance from a young age.
Like many ambitious young women of her time, Lena left her hometown to pursue higher education. She moved out of Oregon to attend business school, a move that showcased her desire for self-improvement and independence. However, her life took a dramatic turn with the onset of World War II.
Joining the Marine Corps
With the world at war, Lena felt compelled to serve the nation. Driven by a sense of duty, she enlisted in the Marine Corps during the height of World War II. This decision was a testament to her courage and conviction.
She was stationed at Camp Pendleton, where she served not in a typical female role of the time, but as a field cook. Her dedication and hard work were soon recognized, and she quickly rose through the ranks to achieve the position of Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve.
Her service in the Marines was not merely a job for Lena. It was a way of life, a passion that she pursued with a sense of purpose. This dedication to service was a trait that she carried with her throughout her life, influencing not only her personal relationships but also her later contributions to society.
Joining the Marine Corps also set the stage for a fateful meeting that would change Lena’s life forever. It was here, amidst the drills and discipline of military life, that she met her future husband, the esteemed war hero, John Basilone.
The meeting of these two individuals, both dedicated to service and sacrifice, marked the beginning of a love story that would become a significant part of Lena’s life and legacy. But that’s a tale for another part of the article.
For now, let’s take a moment to appreciate Lena Mae Riggi Basilone, a woman of strength and dedication, a true patriot, and an inspiration to many. Her early life and service in the Marine Corps were just the beginning of her remarkable story.
Meeting John Basilone
While serving at Camp Pendleton, Lena crossed paths with John Basilone, a respected and decorated war hero. Their common dedication to service and sacrifice sparked a connection between them. This encounter was not just a simple meeting, but the beginning of a profound love story.
John Basilone was a well-known figure in the military, having received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Lena, a dedicated Marine herself, was undoubtedly drawn to his courage and commitment to duty.
Marriage and Life with John Basilone
Recognizing the bond they shared, Lena and John decided to take their relationship to the next level. They tied the knot on July 7, 1944, at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California. The union was celebrated with joy and hope for a bright future together.
The newlyweds, bound by their love for each other and their shared sense of duty, hoped to live a long and happy life together. However, the harsh realities of war soon intruded upon their dream. Shortly after their wedding, John had to return to the battlefield in the South Pacific.
The Impact of John Basilone’s Death
Tragedy struck on February 19, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, when John was killed in action. The news of his death reached Lena on her 32nd birthday, a day that should have been a celebration, but was instead marked with profound sorrow.
Lena was devastated by the loss of her beloved husband. The man she had pledged to spend her life with was gone, leaving her to face the future alone. However, she was not one to succumb to adversity. As she had done throughout her life, Lena chose to face her grief with courage and resilience.
John Basilone’s death was not just a personal loss for Lena, but a national tragedy. He was a war hero who had given his life for the country, and his death was mourned by many. But for Lena, the grief was deeply personal. She had lost her partner, her confidant, and the love of her life.
Even in her grief, Lena chose to honor John’s memory and continue living a life of service. She turned her sorrow into strength, channeling her energy into causes that were close to her heart. This strength in the face of adversity is a testament to Lena’s character and resilience.
Lena’s Post-War Life and Contributions
Following the death of her husband, Lena had a choice – to let grief consume her or to channel it into something meaningful. She chose the latter. Lena never remarried and remained committed to honoring John’s memory.
On December 21, 1945, Lena participated in the christening ceremony of the USS Basilone, a destroyer named in honor of her late husband. This was not just a ceremony; it was Lena’s way of paying tribute to John’s bravery and service. The act was a clear demonstration of her selfless love and respect for her husband.
But Lena’s post-war contributions didn’t stop there. She spent over 50 years living in Lakewood, California, where she worked for the local electric company. Her work was not just about earning a living; it was about being an active contributing member of her community.
Outside of her job, Lena devoted her time to volunteering. She worked with various organizations, including the Women’s Marine Association, the American Veteran’s Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital. Through these avenues, she continued her life of service, extending her dedication beyond the Marine Corps to help those in need.
Legacy and Commemoration
Lena Mae Riggi Basilone’s legacy is not just tied to her service in the Marine Corps or her marriage to John Basilone. It’s also deeply rooted in her post-war contributions and her unwavering dedication to honoring her husband’s memory.
Even in death, Lena’s selflessness shone through. She was offered a burial spot in Arlington Cemetery near her husband, but she declined. Instead, she chose to be laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Riverside, California. She didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone, a testament to her humility and consideration for others.
After her death on June 11, 1999, a resolution was passed to honor her husband, naming a 17-mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton the ‘Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway’.
This recognition further solidified the legacy of Lena and her husband. It served as a reminder of their dedication to service, their love for each other, and Lena’s lifelong commitment to honoring her husband’s memory.
Conclusion: Remembering Lena Mae Riggi
Lena Mae Riggi Basilone was a remarkable woman. From her early life to her service in the Marine Corps, her marriage to John Basilone, and her post-war contributions, her story is a narrative of dedication, resilience, and selfless love.
She was more than just the wife of a decorated war hero. She was a woman who carved her own path, who chose service over self, and who turned personal tragedy into a lifetime of giving. Her story serves as a beacon of strength and resilience, of love and loss, and of a life well-lived.
