Lena never remarried. When she died at the age of 86 she was buried still wearing her wedding ring. I wish all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines had such loyal spouses.
Someone once asked her why she didn’t re-marry. She said in response: “I was married to the best man in the world. Why would I settle for second best?” EDIT: That is a woman!
John Basilone is now buried at Arlington National Cemetery among almost 400,000 other heroes. I visited his grave a few years ago on Memorial Day. His headstone was covered with coins and rocks from other visitors. He’s still remembered decades later.
The one thing i always hated about being a man instead of a woman is the way women can get so emotional and huggy i needed some of thst stuff but it wasn't coming from men
you need to understand Italian parents to see what is happening here. John never brought Lena to meet the family -- a major sin in the family's eyes. she is a complete stranger to them -- an outsider who is not family. When she shows up, the mom answers the door -- because she is only one in the house [besides sons] who can speak English. she recognizes Lena immediately and has a hard look in her eye -- here is the woman who stole my son [because that is now Italian moms think. no one is good enough for their first born, and she never came over for pasta to boot]. what does she want? money? is she pregnant? why is she here NOW. Lena shows her true grit when she asks for nothing but gives something instead -- something more precious to her than anything else -- a piece of John. She does so quietly and without fanfare and with total respect. And then she cries. She knows she has turned over John to where he rightfully belongs. Mom knows this, and the tough out Italian momma, who is right off the boat from the old country, who learned English on her own, who raised her boys to be American soldiers, who is basically head of the household, consoles her - not the other way around - not Lena consoling mom, but mom consoling the bride, a member of her family. beautiful.
They didn’t meet yet because there wasn’t time during the war. They were in CA and NJ is on the other side of the country. She stayed in touch with them and she never remarried.
This scene made me cry. Especially when I saw his father holding the Medal of Honor. I can't imagine being a parent, who has lost his son, knowing that he will never return, but being proud of the things he did and how bravely he died not even living long enough to make a family and raise his own kids, leaving everything behind to serve the beloved country.
Tom Sullivan, from Waterloo, Iowa lost 5 boys in WWII. You might have heard of the Sullivan Brothers and how they died on the USS Juneau. How he and his wife lived through that I will never know.
John Basilone was actually raised in my town. There's a statue of him on the main road with his gun and a parade every year in his honor. The high school has a huge mural of him. He's the local hero. Pretty cool to see this
This is so sad. When John's mother finally embraced Lena, with tears in her eyes, it literally melted my heart. May John and Lena forever RIP, both heroes, eternally.
It literally did not melt your heart, if it did you would literally be dead. Kids, stop using words you don't understand, it just makes you seem like r3tards.
I never met my father. He was a Marine Aviator. He went down in the Pacific. Even though I was only 11 days old, later in my life I knew my mother never got over it and she never talked about his death.
I'm sorry that you never got to know your Dad...I'm also sorry that he was killed in action...he was a true American hero...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 May your Dad Rest in Peace 💙🇺🇸 God Bless the Greatest Generation to have ever lived!!
As a Marine Veteran.....I am "lucky" enough to be honored to drive on Interstate 5 Freeway frequently. "The Gunny Basilone Memorial Highway near Camp Pendleton.
She was involved in a lot of support organizations for Veterans! Tough and wonderful lady. Also there's a little road named after him near the Marine base on the way to San Diego. Pne of the only selfies I've ever taken- was me standing next to the sign!
I met a man last summer. He was sitting in a car as I passed by. He was wearing a military ball cap with both the US Navy and USMC insignias. He was an older very frail man I too had on my US Navy ball cap on. I stopped to say Thank You, as I said Thank You he said so you were in the Navy also, he said he was too. At that point, I could see Iwo Jima on the front of his cap. I ask him when was he on Iwo? He said he landed with the Marines on the first day, He explained to me he was a Navy Corpsman. I was shocked we talked for 20 mins or more. I ask how long was he on Iwo? He told me he left in August 1945. His daughter came out and said, "Oh! Daddy, I see you have met another Navy friend." She explained to me that its always an endless amount of Military guys that stop and talk and talk, to Daddy.
@@DirtNastyCivilian A Marine is a Marine, well said. 🙂Gender aside, male or female dosnt matter. Marine first. She and her husband brought and kept the honor of the corps. A fine example...
@@razor6888 My wife is a Marine. She's been out 20 years, and the Marines broke her. But despite the daily pain, she's still proud of her time, and she shares a bond I can never have.
My Father was Amphibious Assault U.S.S. Hocking, "Pa 121' , UDT-1 , took the Marines into Green Beach at Iwo . He passed away in April of 2019 at the age of 96 . We are lucky to have father's like that the most badass generation
GYSGT Basilone was one hell of a Marine! The USS Basilone (DD-824) was named for him! Someday I would like to see a new ship named after this hero instead of some politician!
Amen to that, William! Just imagine the USS Clinton, the USS Obama, or the USS Trump .... USS Bush, I can see, given HW's very noble WWII service. Even W for that matter, although his service was anything but heroic.
I think there is a newer ship to be commissioned soon. www.pendleton.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/916617/arleigh-burke-class-destroyer-officially-named-the-dd-122-uss-basilone/
@tomtolbert32, I think that you are going to tell me that you are one who thinks that John McCain was a traitor, no? But clarify if you are talking about Jr. or Sr. The vessel is named for Sr.
She lived 50 more years. Never remarried. Dedicated herself to wounded veterans and declined to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery because she didnt want to upset anyone. Her husband died a celebrity. She died in obscurity. Probably one of the greatest women to ever walk the face of planet earth and she has only a tiny grave level with the grass. Pure class, women like that no longer exist
John Basilone is buried in Arlington cemetery, Lena M. Basilone is buried in riverside California. She was buried with her wedding ring that John gave her
@@whosyourdaddy5719 not true; many wives/dependents buried there as well as veterans. Lee Marvin and Audie Murphy are there, they didn't die in combat.
I'm not a religious man but I hope if there is a heaven that both Lena and John are reunited and we're able to enjoy in death what was not granted to them in life for the happiness they deserved.
John's story is truly amazing...I just met a man who survived 4 campaigns in the Pacific ...he let me touch the flag from tarawa, where he fought as a marine. It gave me goose bumps. Real hero and one of just a few left
I know what you mean in 1990-94, I got to meet one of the 4 or 5 inch main guns from the USS Ward, she fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor sinking a IJN mini sub that was trying to slip into the harbor for the attack.... He told me how the first shot missed, second shot hit the coning tower at the base just above the main body... I want to say he was on the gun that didn't fire.... He was telling me this then had showed me how the stations worked to turn and lift the gun... That gun is sitting at the Minnesota state capital as most of the crew came from the state. I was 6-10 years old.... What a honor to get to meet the vet and get first hand account of some of his time in the service....This was well before the U of Hawaii found the mini sub to confirm it the story...
Please tell your father Thank You for his service..I have the utmost respect for men like your father and especially the United States Marines!! 🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤
My heart goes out to the Marines who made the miserable march from the Frozen Chosin in the dead of a bitter cold Korean winter, the corpsmen had to keep their forceps busy removing frostbitten fingers and toes. Mad respect to them all.
@@jasondecharleroy4161 ..Joe Basilone served some time also in the Philippines.. According to his acquaintances..he liked the place and was always talking about Manila that he was referred to as " MANILA Joe"..
My Dad was on Iwo as well. Tomorrow will be the 66th anniversary 2/19/11. Dad was in the 4th Marine Div, and was wounded the first day, but kept fighting and he later received the Purple Heart. Dad died 11/4/10, at the age of 86 but some of him died 66 years ago. Rest well Dad with all your brothers who fought by your side 66 years ago. Semper Fi.
Brother I want to thank your father for his service, and having a fine man for a son thank you just know you are loved and your family is highly respected......my boy will know what your daddy did for us I swear to you that brother. May the lord bless and keep your father in paradise forever at his side and may you and your family be blessed and good fortune always be onto you ok.🇺🇸
God bless him. I had the honor to meet and work with some Iwo guys on the Jersey City Police Department. My Dad lost a leg as a medic in the Philippines . These were the greatest American generation.
@@patrickmcshane7658 John had already had the Medal for more than a year before he met Lena. He was the one that gave it to her, not the government. The Navy Cross he won on Iwo Jima would have been presented to her as it was awarded posthumously.
This series was a little uneven when compared to Band of Brothers but some scenes, like this one, were simply perfect. When Lena straights up before handing that medal over, I can feel her pain and pride. This is among the finest 4 minutes TV has ever produced.
Id say from the time Sledgehammer is put into training it’s incredible and flows much better. Basilgone is a fantastic episode but.1 and 3 just felt off.
With BoB we followed along with the men of Easy Coy as they trained developed and eventually went to war. We were invested and got to know the characters well. The Pacific on the other hand followed several different characters who's stories were not all that entwined. Each character had their own story and perspective. We didn't have the flow as we did while following one group of men from start to finish. I think, at least in my mind, that it's part of the reason a lot of viewers say it's hard to follow, or that BoB was the better of the two. I love both productions for what they are, both told in different ways.
Semper Fi Johnny.... at the Australian ANZAC Day commemoration.. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them". And we do.... OOH RAH Marine. Unto God be guided....
@@NYCamper62 I'm at that stage too. Going through and watching all these tiny clips with tears welting up in my eyes debating on if I should rewatch it or not.
This has to be one of the most heart-wrenching scenes ever captured on film or video. The acting, the dialogue, the direction--all perfect. I've watched it several times, and every time I cry.
Watch the scene in "Saving Private Ryan" where the car is driving up the dirt driveway to the Ryan farmhouse and the Mother comes out to find out that almost all of her sons have been killed in action. Granted, this was a purely fictional account. However the loss of the five Sullivan brothers with the sinking of the USS Juneau was real. It had a significant impact on family policy in the military and the meaning of sacrifice in defending the nation. And unlike every war since WW II, our nation was in grave danger. My father was at Hickam Field on Dec 7, one of the first military installations to be hit by the Japanese. I was in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, and my British mother survived the London Blitz while working for the British Navy.
This scene and the one with Eugene Sledge's return home and his many nightmares that he and his family had to endure, hurt like no other. Those that sacrificed all, and bore the nightmares of real combat, are something that I, and all that claim to be Americans, can NEVER PAY BACK. Although we should never stop trying... those that came before us deserve that respect.
Sledge found some peace after his return home by choosing a career as a biologist. After witnessing so much death, he devoted his remaining years to the study of life.
He could have had any USMC preference posting but chose to return to combat among other marines.......and was then killed in action and buried beside other Marines in foreign soil......! Semper Fi.....!
My son is a Marine. He volunteered to go too Iraq with RCT 8. And when RCT8 went to Afghanistan gunny Galloway ask him to come with them . So he volunteered. He could have came home early from Afghanistan but gave his set up for other Marines he felt needed to be home worse then him. He was there three extra month's. I am very proud of him. And so blessed he is home safe. And I think I understand the Frustration John's parents must have felt when he went back. God how you hate to see them leave.
@Tony Lam I think you misunderstood the comment. Jeremy Mendoza wasn't saying Basilone went back to combat for the publicity. He means that now MoH winners are not usually allowed to go back into combat due to the bad publicity it causes to have one killed.
That is a great scene, the Basilone family finally had tangible evidence of John's death and was able to start grieving, which leads to healing. The directors really set up the despair and finally able to open up and grieve publicly.
This is truly a Lady. When she retired from the Marines she lived and worked in Lakewood California working in a electrical plant for 50 years until her death in 6/99. Prior to her death the VA made an offer to bury her next to her husband at Arlington National cemetery and she refused the offer. She didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone. She never remarried, She was a Lady and one heck of a Marine.
@@mrj1000that is what YOU get when you elect individual politicians that do not understand the value of the oath they take. Or the souls that paid in blood for that oath. You want different, Then hold them politicians accountable. Because accountability starts at the top.
Lena Basilone never remarried. When asked about that later in life (she passed June 11, 1999, at the age of 86), she expressed no regret and said "true love only happens once." I've always found that sad, though she never did.
To those that brought forth this series and its predecessor, Band of Brothers, I give my unending gratitude. Without you, many would not have seen those sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made FOR US. "Even today, on a real cold night, we go to bed, my wife will tell you this first thing I'll say 'I'm glad I'm not in Bastogne'."
***** Please. Talk about sanctimonious. Look at your own posts. "Also, they were not the greatest generation as the book would indicate...its a myth, a fantasy." No, not really. That generation served us in WWII and then sent man to the moon had one of the best years of post-war growth the US has ever seen, period. "If they were so great, African Americans would have been able to do something as simple as sit at the lunch counter in a diner without being arrested, or women would not have been thought of as fungible, objectified household servants with zero rights, or gays would not have been dismissed as subhuman, or there would have been no need for SEPARATE black units or there would have been no need to put into prison camps an entire race of people who were in fact American and who's ancestral homeland was at war with us...the lost goes on. Hardly so great." I said GREATEST GENERATION, not PERFECT generation. I love how you spout off about my words and other Americans as "sanctimonious", yet you judge this generation not on it's whole as a society but on its failings. And I say this as a Native (Ho-Chunk) who has served in three military branches. "I would love to see truth...not some nationalistic homogenized version of what Americans need to see to validate ourselves. Truth is more important than well done drama that makes us out to be heros." The truth is that they WERE heroes. Yes, IMPERFECT, FLAWED heroes. I have no problem with having great respect for humans that were FLAWED but real. Apparently, you need your "heroes" as ABSOLUTELY TRUTHFUL and PERFECT in every way. I don't, I'm much more realistic about who I hold up to the standard of hero. Combat and the world we live in has brought me to this point of view.
***** Yes, they were the greatest generation. Again, flawed and imperfect, yet the greatest. What that generation accomplished is far beyond what GenX did for the US, and that's coming from a GenX'er. "As I said. In fact, if we were to measure put metrics around the measurable positive effects of each generation to include literally everything from industry to technology to peace, war etc...the generation of people born in the 1920's was measurably not the greatest. That is empirical." OK, so start spilling out your metrics. I want to see how they are not above any generation before or after them? In terms of economic and technologic achievements. Most of the society we have today still owes it's roots to that founding era. If you want to make this a statistics debate, fire away. "You again, drown your comment in nationalism, sanctimony and fallacy. Its not enough to simply say...Yeah the guys that went around lighting japanese soldier afire and tortured them, or the guys that literally took tanks and ran over their own wounded men who were crushed and screaming in the streets of europe as flawed. These were brutal, disgusting murderous things...not flaws or defects as in some systems glitch...but rather, purposeful, maleficent, inhuman events." Yes, those were brutal and murderous things. But it was not the WHOLE GENERATION that did those things. Those were the failings of some. Did this generation try to exterminate the Jews? No, that was the German Nazi regime. "I do love how you try to throw yourself int he mix of those to be sanctimoniously worshiped as though having a combat action ribbon somehow makes you a better critical thinker...it doesnt. My degree from Columbia does, not my ten years in the suck." I have no idea where you get that, that's your own twisted take on my actual words. I would never even claim to want the respect I give to those of that generation. I simply put my military experience there as a backdrop to explain that I understand the realities of war, nothing more. If you supposedly were in "the suck", you just contradicted yourself. When you said earlier that "combat and the world we live in has brought ME to this point" yet you say that your degree from Columbia makes you a better critical thinker. Nope, don't think so. If I'm reading you right, you were in the Marines, got out, went to and grad from Columbia? So how does a Columbia degree give you a better perspective and worldview than mine? Or appreciation of real-world knowledge that supposedly "led you to where you are" now? I was in the Marines for five years, grad from Nebraska-Lincoln, then USN officer, then USAF reserve. In all of those times, I learned the most about the world when I was overseas with the military. Not simply fighting wars, but meeting and exploring other peoples/cultures during off-times and port calls. I would put those experiences far above what I learned in college. So now, when I apply my already critical thinking to the real-world, it is tempered with the knowledge and understanding of REAL PEOPLE and my experiences.
***** "Yet again drowned in nationalism and false, fallacious patriotism and glorifying an entire generation because you watched a mini-series...thats brilliant" Nope. You made that assumption. I glorify an entire generation because I have read about all the things they have done. As I've said, I was grateful the producers made the series to give others a glimpse into what I have read about and maybe take up and interest in history themselves. "Ok then lets put our a metric...or two or three. In 1941 Japanese Americans had zero freedoms, zero constitutional rights and lost everything they owned including businesses, family fortunes and their liberties. Today, Japanese enjoy 100% more freedoms. Thats an improvement of 100 percent...its a solid empirical metric...I do this for a living there slappy...quantitative analysis that is." Seriously, you call that a metric? Where did you say you went to school? Columbia? You need to go back to them and get your money back... If you call that "quantitative analysis", then you are seriously doing some powerful drugs. Metrics in favor of your argument would show that because of improper imprisonment, Japanese/American nationals or immigrants earnings were affected. "So lets talk about Black Americans and use similar metrics...I think you see where this going. You said '(y)es, those were brutal and murderous things. But it was not the WHOLE GENERATION that did those things.' and ipso facto that means that not everyone was great as well." Sure, lets talk about it, since race seems to be the DOMINANT THEME (from a Columbia grad, not surprising) of your counter-argument. No, not everyone was great, but their accomplishments as a whole, from the time of Post-Depression America, to the so-called Space Race, this generation was easily the greatest. "..'I would never even claim to want the respect I give to those of that generation. I simply put my military experience there as a backdrop to explain that I understand the realities of war, nothing more.' Lol ok . You absolutely put yourself in with them...there is no point at all to say that you were in combat except to align yourself with those who you are revering and complimenting thus you try to include yourself as someone who has experienced combat ...like those of the 'greatest generation' you dont make a point no to want respect but rather to show how you should be respected and how your combat and life experience has made you knowledgeable." Again, you make the mistake of assuming that I put my military experience to say that I was "one of them". I wasn't. I was putting out my military experience to show that I understand how rough combat is on people, and I don't armchair QB their fallacies when they happen. I am twisting nothing. "Also, you say "Did this generation try to exterminate the Jews? No, that was the German Nazi regime." lol, seriously? Yes, that is the same generation..." Are you seriously arguing that "the greatest generation" tag involves non-Americans? I don't see the GenX tag that applies to Europeans, does it? Or any other country than America. Those generational tags are Americana, not worldly. Your point is just fucking stupid. Get a refund on that "Columbia education". "Gen X effectuated technological advancements that exponentially have advanced medicine, energy, life, freedoms, rights, awareness and more. We fought wars, created the largest stock market, built the wealthiest country on the planet where trillions of dollars are created, advanced the cause for peace and assistance to third world countries building hospitals, schools and other measurable positive effect." GenX created technological advancements ON THE BACKS of the technology PIONEERED by the "greatest generation". Can you honestly say that the US would have the military, technological, or financial edge it does without the developments of the late 40s/50s/60s? If yes, again, smoking crack. Militarily... easy. M-16 rifle (second to AK-47 worldwide today), F-15, F-16, F-18 were all borne of programs of the 1960s. Technological...easy. Multiple US development and patents in transistors and computer development. Laser development, 1958. All the benefits of the Moon Landings, that turned civilian. Financial...easy. Under Eisenhower, the US became the financially dominant world power and continues to this day. As a matter of fact, the US highway system still bears his name, the Eisenhower highway system, and still maintains those guidelines. "Anyone could easily argue that GENX is a much greater generation in terms of actual measurable achievements...perhaps not a great dramatic mini series but better. If you write more I wont write until later tonight." Nope. I'm a GenX'er and wouldn't even attempt to argue something soo pitiful. Granted GenX'ers have alot to be proud of, we took alot of the work the "greatest generation" did and moved it far more forward than any other previous generation, but we did it ON THE BACKS of the works they accomplished decades before. Your foolish counter-argument that I used this mini-series to make my determination that this is the "greatest generation" is simply bad. I made no such determination. I simply said I was grateful the producers made this series so that others could see what I saw in how the "greatest generation" handled WWII.
Nothing like walking away from an argument and not having anything to reply to when I cite actual statistics of what was accomplished. "Ivory Towers" eh? Funny that you should mention that, yet have nothing to back up your counter-arguments. What's new for your generation? Damn, Gen Y'ers. Can't do a damn thing, except argue about arguing. Oh well.
Simply Powerful. As a Military dependent, I really do appreciate the whole situation. I was one of the luckier children of a Solider as my Dad was a 30 year "Lifer" in The USAF with Two Tours of Vietnam as a C-130 Hercules Pilot. Dad always said he had the easy gig of War compared to the land soldiers. Stay Strong Everyone
Great scene...very emotional. The cost of war. Although his parents had 5 other children, how do you get over losing a child? To me, Mr. Basilone crying right at the end of the clip really got me.
Heartbreaking....just a brilliant series....me and my girlfriend cried for a long time watching this...and we also got to learn a lot about people we had never even heard of before....and now they have a special place in our hearts.
I'm 17, and I love military history from all aspects; I admire those who served in any war. But those I admire the most is those of World War 2; they had their lives interrupted in a awful and unexpected manner and yet they still marched on, some to death, some to victory, but all marched to glory and immortality in my eyes. But when we are watching a documentry in History class and I see my fellow Juniors not interested or even laughing I become disgusted and unconfident in my generation...
I felt the same about my generation coming of age in the mid-1980's. Never had many friends my own age. They were spoiled children. I went into the Navy right out of high school. Thirty-plus years later, most people are worse now than then. Spoiled children in adult bodies, raising spoiled children of their own. To this day, I do not understand them. I stopped trying many years ago. You are clearly cut from a different cloth. That's a good thing. Never follow the herd. Sometimes the herd panics, & stampedes off a cliff! You'll have some lonely days, but remember; there are worse things than being alone. It's a path few have the strength to tread. Regardless, I wish you well in all your endeavors. Success in all your challenges. Peace in all your days.
When ,not if, but when harder times come your understanding and wisdom beyond your years will make a difference. And circumstances can change your generation. It did for WW2 people. Each genetation has to sort themselves out.
There's a "Basilone Rd" exit off of I-5, near Camp Pendleton, as you drive south from LA to San Diego. Until I watched The Pacific I kind of vaguely knew he was a medal of honor winner but didn't know much more. This series inspired me to learn more about him and what an outstanding person he was.
Heartrendering, happened over and over and over. The fact that he didnt have to go back but did anyway says everyting you need to know about the kind of Marine John Basilone was. I hope you found some peace and happiness Lena. God rest both your souls.
I loved Band Of Brothers, but the one thing it lacked that the Pacific did not was the impact back home. Band Of Brothers showed very deeply the impact on the soldiers when they lost their buddies or watched them die. The Pacific has that but also has the effect it had back home as well as demonstrated the difficulties soldiers faced returning home. Scenes like this happened hundreds of thousands of times over, millions all over the world.
Agreed, Adam, but the end of Band of Brothers brought the viewer back into "today's world," where we got to hear the real Dick Winters and his men speak directly to us, and praise their friends who never returned.
Brought to you by the same gentlemen who filmed the famous Gold Star mother non-verbal scene in Saving Private Ryan, which I thought equally as powerful as this Basilone scene.
I aint got nothing to whine about. Or nothing to cry about. These men gave their lives for us. My heartfelt thanks to all of 'em! Every damn one of 'em!
I don't know why I rewatch scenes like this; I hate to cry. Now I'm stuck with a headache and stuffy nose for the next hour or so. Such a powerful scene when Mama realizes that they're all sharing the same love and grief.
Such a wonderful and meaningful series. Of course I bought it and will watch it many more times as long as my life continues. It has taught me so much.
I have only been moved like this once before. On a panel show in the 80s a man sat next to a girl and her father. The girl had received the heart of the first mans daughter killed in crash. She asked him if he would like to listen to his daughters heart And he did placing his ear against the girls chest. That man broke down on stage and I did too. Losing a child is worse possible thing that can happen to you And the look on the old mans face holding the medal says it all
This four minutes i still get tears in my eyes, as i watch this, must be that gentle side of the marine in me. I still love and hurt for the greatest generation.
There are some women who just carry 40s clothing. Annie Parisse is one of them. Elizabeth Shue is another. Something a lot of people don't know.... Lena Basilone never remarried and stayed close the Basilone family for the rest of her life. She and John had less than three weeks together as husband and wife.
I think one of the most amazing parts of this scene is how Annie Parisse first starts to crack when she looks at John's father around the 2:50 mark. Its so subtle and so powerful, as she likely see's John in his father and imagine how painful that must have been. The father can barely speak english and he's the first person in the scene to say something nice to her, and then looks at her expectantly throughout. Heartbreaking and amazing acting.
Man, this shit makes me so sad. Soldiers and Marines have families, untold stories, and this is only one of the millions of stories from WW2. I can't even imagine.
John basilone is a hero, and a marine. You learn about him in boot camp and every time you think you want to quit they'll always tell you something like " would john basilone quit?" This guy is a marine the definition of HONOR COURAGE COMMITMENT!
This is a painful scene reminding us of the sorrow and sadness that is left when war is over. All that is left is the painful memory of the loss. This was multiplied thousands of times over at the end of WWII. And it never goes away,not ever.
Approximately 460,000 times in the USA, myriads more across Europe and Asia. And sometimes multiple times as in the case of the Sullivan's and the Nieman's (the real Pvt. Ryan.)
🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤OH MY GOD! A scene played out so many times! A fallen hero, a grieving family! Those who chose to stand up for OUR COUNTR,OUR FREEDOM ! Yet, there are those who ran away from their responsibilities and now degrade them and mock them! You know who they are, make them pay!🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤
They need to make a movie specifically about this man and his life. They did so about Audie Murphy and Desmond. An incredibly selfless gesture on her part. She by rights as his,wife could have kept the medal. She should be equally honored.
I have lived near Basilone Rd. San Diego all my life here,but I never delved deeply into Basilone until now. Semper Fi, MARINE!!!! you stood for all that our present people don't appreciate. My Dad came home with medals galore,also. They were the brave ones!!! I hear people have died from being threatened with a participant trophy!!!
There were people like John Basilone, who never returned home, but in some way, escaped the horrors and trauma and the difficulties of post-war life. There are others like Robert Leckie, who survived and suffered physical injuries but managed to reajust to normal life rather easily and get married. Then there were people like Eugene Sledge who survived mostly physically unscathed but returned traumatized and with nightmares and had mental scars that never fully healed.
Robert Leckie (in real life) did suffer from PTSD. His wife Vera was interviewed a few years ago and she said he had nightmares throughout his entire life and had to be calmed down, also when he was losing his memory to dementia he still vividly remember his war experience.
I've been fortunate enough..and humbled...to host Marine Corp Bday Dinner at restaurant I managed three times... His name will never be forgotten in the MC I worry for the rest of us doing so
The second the medal of honor was opened I cried like a baby. Can you imagine seeing that given to you for your son? It would have been breath taking. To think the country Awarded your son the highest honor possible is just God smacking. Thank you Basilone family for sharing that private moment with us, your sons and daughter really were true Americans through and through.
Lena never remarried. When she died at the age of 86 she was buried still wearing her wedding ring. I wish all of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines had such loyal spouses.
Someone once asked her why she didn’t re-marry. She said in response: “I was married to the best man in the world. Why would I settle for second best?”
EDIT: That is a woman!
Where is she buried?
You're simply the best 🎶 better than all the rest 🎸
Military Spouses everywhere: Best we can do is Jody! 🤣
@@edprince9079 Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside CA. It is across the highway from March ARB which used to be March AFB.
John Basilone is now buried at Arlington National Cemetery among almost 400,000 other heroes. I visited his grave a few years ago on Memorial Day. His headstone was covered with coins and rocks from other visitors. He’s still remembered decades later.
The one thing i always hated about being a man instead of a woman is the way women can get so emotional and huggy i needed some of thst stuff but it wasn't coming from men
She never remarried. when asked why she wouldn't, she replied. "I had the best. I won't settle for second best."
+Canaan B Bravo Zulu
She's medal of honor material, too.
Canaan B Behind every great man there is always a greater women. John and Lena surely embody that saying.
+80811x Not always.
Canaan B 😭😭😭😥😥😥
I visited Lena Basilone grave where m father is buried near March AFB in Riverside, CA. She was an amazing women.
you need to understand Italian parents to see what is happening here. John never brought Lena to meet the family -- a major sin in the family's eyes. she is a complete stranger to them -- an outsider who is not family. When she shows up, the mom answers the door -- because she is only one in the house [besides sons] who can speak English. she recognizes Lena immediately and has a hard look in her eye -- here is the woman who stole my son [because that is now Italian moms think. no one is good enough for their first born, and she never came over for pasta to boot]. what does she want? money? is she pregnant? why is she here NOW. Lena shows her true grit when she asks for nothing but gives something instead -- something more precious to her than anything else -- a piece of John. She does so quietly and without fanfare and with total respect. And then she cries. She knows she has turned over John to where he rightfully belongs. Mom knows this, and the tough out Italian momma, who is right off the boat from the old country, who learned English on her own, who raised her boys to be American soldiers, who is basically head of the household, consoles her - not the other way around - not Lena consoling mom, but mom consoling the bride, a member of her family. beautiful.
Nicely put,,,
You literally hit the nail on the proverbial head...
Well written.
Summed it up perfectly!
They didn’t meet yet because there wasn’t time during the war. They were in CA and NJ is on the other side of the country. She stayed in touch with them and she never remarried.
This scene made me cry. Especially when I saw his father holding the Medal of Honor. I can't imagine being a parent, who has lost his son, knowing that he will never return, but being proud of the things he did and how bravely he died not even living long enough to make a family and raise his own kids, leaving everything behind to serve the beloved country.
Tom Sullivan, from Waterloo, Iowa lost 5 boys in WWII. You might have heard of the Sullivan Brothers and how they died on the USS Juneau. How he and his wife lived through that I will never know.
im sure he was proud of his son but im sure he always was i myself cant see a medal as a fair trade for ones child.
@@miketaylor5212 No, it isn't, but he traded his life so you can be here to comment. Freedom is never free.
I agree a very well done scene
Don't think for a minute you were the only one.
John Basilone was actually raised in my town. There's a statue of him on the main road with his gun and a parade every year in his honor. The high school has a huge mural of him. He's the local hero. Pretty cool to see this
Nice, he is a hero to many of us throughout this great country. Thank you for your post. GOD bless you and your family.
Well he is the second most famous Marine to date.
Caesar Seriona Who's the 1st?
Chesty Puller perhaps?
Sorry I missed it this year.
This is so sad. When John's mother finally embraced Lena, with tears in her eyes, it literally melted my heart. May John and Lena forever RIP, both heroes, eternally.
It literally did not melt your heart, if it did you would literally be dead.
Kids, stop using words you don't understand, it just makes you seem like r3tards.
I never met my father. He was a Marine Aviator. He went down in the Pacific. Even though I was only 11 days old, later in my life I knew my mother never got over it and she never talked about his death.
Heartbreaking, but thanks for sharing. RIP, Marine and beloved.
I'm sorry that you never got to know your Dad...I'm also sorry that he was killed in action...he was a true American hero...🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
May your Dad Rest in Peace 💙🇺🇸
God Bless the Greatest Generation to have ever lived!!
May your Dad Rest in Peace
Greatest Generation to have ever lived!!
Very sorry that happened. I'm sure your dad is resting in peace. Part of the absolute greatest generation ever!
As a Marine Veteran.....I am "lucky" enough to be honored to drive on Interstate 5 Freeway frequently. "The Gunny Basilone Memorial Highway near Camp Pendleton.
I am a Marine too, my Great Uncle was with 1/27 the same unit as Gunny Basilone on Iwo, I know Basilone road well too. Semper FI.
In another life I was Corpsman attached stationed on Pendleton, I remember Basilone road on the base.
Semper Fi MF.
Indeed!!
years ago I was on that part of HWY 5 and saw the signage...Then I researched who Basilone was. What a hero. Just unbelievable what he did. RIP.
lena baselone was a beautiful woman on the outside,and proved she was even more beautiful on the inside when she gave his parents the medal
I wonder if she became close with the family, like a true daughter-in-law.
That was emotionally difficult to watch.
@@penchant1972 my understanding was the family didn't have a close relationship with her since their wedding was an abrupt affair.
She was involved in a lot of support organizations for Veterans! Tough and wonderful lady.
Also there's a little road named after him near the Marine base on the way to San Diego.
Pne of the only selfies I've ever taken- was me standing next to the sign!
Amen to that.
I met a man last summer. He was sitting in a car as I passed by. He was wearing a military ball cap with both the US Navy and USMC insignias. He was an older very frail man I too had on my US Navy ball cap on. I stopped to say Thank You, as I said Thank You he said so you were in the Navy also, he said he was too. At that point, I could see Iwo Jima on the front of his cap. I ask him when was he on Iwo? He said he landed with the Marines on the first day, He explained to me he was a Navy Corpsman. I was shocked we talked for 20 mins or more. I ask how long was he on Iwo? He told me he left in August 1945. His daughter came out and said, "Oh! Daddy, I see you have met another Navy friend." She explained to me that its always an endless amount of Military guys that stop and talk and talk, to Daddy.
Totally tearing up here. Lena Basilone must have been one amazing woman in real life. She does all women Marines proud.
“She does all Marines proud.”
A noble gesture she made
@@DirtNastyCivilian A Marine is a Marine, well said. 🙂Gender aside, male or female dosnt matter. Marine first. She and her husband brought and kept the honor of the corps. A fine example...
@@razor6888 My wife is a Marine. She's been out 20 years, and the Marines broke her. But despite the daily pain, she's still proud of her time, and she shares a bond I can never have.
She was a formidable woman by all accounts, and she never remarried.
My Father is a WW2 Marine 3rd Marine Div. still alive at 93. This scene brings tears to my eyes. The sacrifice these men made is so powerful
merit2591 Your dad still alive ?
and now? still alive?
Semper Fi, Devil.
merit2591 : My father served with the Third Division on Bounginville. Where did your father serve?
My Father was Amphibious Assault U.S.S. Hocking, "Pa 121' , UDT-1 , took the Marines into Green Beach at Iwo . He passed away in April of 2019 at the age of 96 . We are lucky to have father's like that the most badass generation
GYSGT Basilone was one hell of a Marine! The USS Basilone (DD-824) was named for him! Someday I would like to see a new ship named after this hero instead of some politician!
Amen to that, William! Just imagine the USS Clinton, the USS Obama, or the USS Trump .... USS Bush, I can see, given HW's very noble WWII service. Even W for that matter, although his service was anything but heroic.
I think there is a newer ship to be commissioned soon.
www.pendleton.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/916617/arleigh-burke-class-destroyer-officially-named-the-dd-122-uss-basilone/
@tomtolbert32, uh, what?
@tomtolbert32, I think that you are going to tell me that you are one who thinks that John McCain was a traitor, no? But clarify if you are talking about Jr. or Sr. The vessel is named for Sr.
Agreed. And aircraft carriers can only be named after presidents who were veteran's or were president's in a declared war.
What brought me to tears was she never remarried, everyone should hope to have a love like that.
Her grace and the way she carried herself showed truly not only this actress understood her role. But so did the woman she portrays.
She lived 50 more years. Never remarried. Dedicated herself to wounded veterans and declined to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery because she didnt want to upset anyone. Her husband died a celebrity. She died in obscurity. Probably one of the greatest women to ever walk the face of planet earth and she has only a tiny grave level with the grass. Pure class, women like that no longer exist
Yes; they do. And there are quite a lot of them.
The last sentence makes you a royal pos. Truly.
Dope comment until you decided to let everyone know you have a clinical case of gets no pussy.
@@davidowens5898no there are not!
@@davidowens5898there are not - especially in the US. Women here are selfish and nasty.
John Basilone is buried in Arlington cemetery, Lena M. Basilone is buried in riverside California. She was buried with her wedding ring that John gave her
They should have been buried by each other...🥺🇺🇸💙❤
vin 950 She declined to be buried at Arlington because she thought burial there should be for the men who fought and died.
Dig em up
@@whosyourdaddy5719 not true; many wives/dependents buried there as well as veterans. Lee Marvin and Audie Murphy are there, they didn't die in combat.
@@whosyourdaddy5719 wrong!
I'm not a religious man but I hope if there is a heaven that both Lena and John are reunited and we're able to enjoy in death what was not granted to them in life for the happiness they deserved.
In the Bible’s view of reality, Heaven is not some far off place, but right here: invisible to us only because of our insensibility.
beautiful thought.
im not religious either, I believe they'll meet on the other side
@@JRobbySh Well put Judy S. It's also in the love that we show to each other each and every day.
If you’re not religious you will know heaven is a fictional place made up by religious groups to fool us into giving them money
John's story is truly amazing...I just met a man who survived 4 campaigns in the Pacific ...he let me touch the flag from tarawa, where he fought as a marine. It gave me goose bumps. Real hero and one of just a few left
Wow 4 campaign s as a Marine in wwtwo truly is the greatest generation
I know what you mean in 1990-94, I got to meet one of the 4 or 5 inch main guns from the USS Ward, she fired the first shot at Pearl Harbor sinking a IJN mini sub that was trying to slip into the harbor for the attack.... He told me how the first shot missed, second shot hit the coning tower at the base just above the main body... I want to say he was on the gun that didn't fire.... He was telling me this then had showed me how the stations worked to turn and lift the gun... That gun is sitting at the Minnesota state capital as most of the crew came from the state. I was 6-10 years old.... What a honor to get to meet the vet and get first hand account of some of his time in the service....This was well before the U of Hawaii found the mini sub to confirm it the story...
Moved me to tears. My father served in the 1st Marines, at Peleliu and Okinawa. Later in Korea, at Inchon and Chosin.
My grandfather served in New Guinea and the Philippines and later also Korea. You and your father have my sincere respect.
Please tell your father Thank You for his service..I have the utmost respect for men like your father and especially the United States Marines!! 🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤
My dad was a Sgt at Chosin. 1st Marines. Semper Fi
My heart goes out to the Marines who made the miserable march from the Frozen Chosin in the dead of a bitter cold Korean winter, the corpsmen had to keep their forceps busy removing frostbitten fingers and toes. Mad respect to them all.
@@jasondecharleroy4161
..Joe Basilone served some time also in the Philippines..
According to his acquaintances..he liked the place and was always talking about Manila that he was referred to as " MANILA Joe"..
My Uncle served with John. I kept his photos and mementos. I am very proud of him!
Really? That's amazing!! How proud you must be of your Uncle!! God Bless the United States Marines!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
My Great Uncle was with 1/27 the same unit as John on Iwo Jima, he met him on the ship on the way to the Iwo.
My uncle is a dentist. He's a dickhead to be honest.
Mike Silk 😂😂😂
What an HONOR!
I watch this from time to time to let me know my eyes still in fact work.
Such a horrible thing, gilded with the honor, and sadly shared, between the people who loved him most. Semper Fi.
RIP
Papa Basilone silently crying over his son's death is a beautiful and heart-wrenching moment
it makes me cry every time
Makes you want to hug him as well 😢
A father's tears for his child. Nothing is more powerful & real in this world.
This old 'Gunny' had a tough time with this one. RIP brother. Semper Fi
Think everybody who's a Veteran has a tuff with this scene
@@elliothagen9874 Understood.
As a Vet and now the father of a serviceman, this scene will never NOT choke me up.
One of the most moving moments in the entire miniseries......expertly directed, superb acting. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
Had a tear at this one....
John's dad was most devastated, because of that realization of John's passing. How could you even compensate for something like that. What a scene/
I agree
1:05 "Ma che bella ragazza! Giovanni ha sposato proprio una bellezza!" translated ->"What a beautiful girl! Johnny has just married a beauty!"
Thanks for that!
Wow. If I understand correctly his father had fallen senile and still believed Basilone was alive. Truly sad.
Thank you for that. I was wondering what he had said.
@@ShmokeyBandit Sharp observation. Yes, sad.
Thank you, pal 😊
Heart breaking she. Loved him so much, she never married again, I hope they will be reunited again
Anyone know if she's still alive? If she did die how long ago?
She passed away in 1999
Wayne johnson sadly alone as she thought no one could match up to john basilone
Honestly no one probably would've matched up to him.
There no such thing as moving on
My Dad was on Iwo as well. Tomorrow will be the 66th anniversary 2/19/11. Dad was in the 4th Marine Div, and was wounded the first day, but kept fighting and he later received the Purple Heart. Dad died 11/4/10, at the age of 86 but some of him died 66 years ago. Rest well Dad with all your brothers who fought by your side 66 years ago. Semper Fi.
God's good rest, Marine.
Amen brother .
Brother I want to thank your father for his service, and having a fine man for a son thank you just know you are loved and your family is highly respected......my boy will know what your daddy did for us I swear to you that brother. May the lord bless and keep your father in paradise forever at his side and may you and your family be blessed and good fortune always be onto you ok.🇺🇸
Thank you for your service sir
God bless him. I had the honor to meet and work with some Iwo guys on the Jersey City Police Department. My Dad lost a leg as a medic in the Philippines . These were the greatest American generation.
They weren't the Greatest Generation for nothing! God bless John and Lena Baslione, and the Basilone family.
They were american heroes goddamnit
This scene is titled incorrectly, she didn't return John's medal, she gave it to his parents in a very generous gesture.
She's next of kin as his wife, it was given to her as her right.
@Patrick: which is why Mike said "a very generous gesture."
Good point.
@@patrickmcshane7658 John had already had the Medal for more than a year before he met Lena. He was the one that gave it to her, not the government. The Navy Cross he won on Iwo Jima would have been presented to her as it was awarded posthumously.
@@flyboy152 All his belongings would be returned to her as his next of kin. Doesn't matter when it was awarded, it would be returned to her.
This series was a little uneven when compared to Band of Brothers but some scenes, like this one, were simply perfect. When Lena straights up before handing that medal over, I can feel her pain and pride. This is among the finest 4 minutes TV has ever produced.
Amen.
It was uneven because it covered different Marines who had combat in different places.
@@stephengross4704 Exactly. It didn't flow as well as Band of Brothers did for that exact reason.
Id say from the time Sledgehammer is put into training it’s incredible and flows much better. Basilgone is a fantastic episode but.1 and 3 just felt off.
With BoB we followed along with the men of Easy Coy as they trained developed and eventually went to war. We were invested and got to know the characters well.
The Pacific on the other hand followed several different characters who's stories were not all that entwined. Each character had their own story and perspective. We didn't have the flow as we did while following one group of men from start to finish.
I think, at least in my mind, that it's part of the reason a lot of viewers say it's hard to follow, or that BoB was the better of the two.
I love both productions for what they are, both told in different ways.
Semper Fi Johnny.... at the Australian ANZAC Day commemoration..
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them".
And we do.... OOH RAH Marine. Unto God be guided....
warren lynch thank you for your service brother.
Christ that's hard to watch. millions of personal tragedies. millions of moments of grief. millions of individual sacrifices summed up in 4 minutes.
At the same time it makes me want to watch the entire series again.
@@NYCamper62 I'm at that stage too. Going through and watching all these tiny clips with tears welting up in my eyes debating on if I should rewatch it or not.
This has to be one of the most heart-wrenching scenes ever captured on film or video. The acting, the dialogue, the direction--all perfect. I've watched it several times, and every time I cry.
Watch the scene in "Saving Private Ryan" where the car is driving up the dirt driveway to the Ryan farmhouse and the Mother comes out to find out that almost all of her sons have been killed in action. Granted, this was a purely fictional account. However the loss of the five Sullivan brothers with the sinking of the USS Juneau was real. It had a significant impact on family policy in the military and the meaning of sacrifice in defending the nation. And unlike every war since WW II, our nation was in grave danger. My father was at Hickam Field on Dec 7, one of the first military installations to be hit by the Japanese. I was in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, and my British mother survived the London Blitz while working for the British Navy.
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone my hero since I was 10 years old and the reason why I joined the Marine Corps.
Thank you for your service.
Semper
This scene and the one with Eugene Sledge's return home and his many nightmares that he and his family had to endure, hurt like no other.
Those that sacrificed all, and bore the nightmares of real combat, are something that I, and all that claim to be Americans, can NEVER PAY BACK.
Although we should never stop trying... those that came before us deserve that respect.
Sledge found some peace after his return home by choosing a career as a biologist. After witnessing so much death, he devoted his remaining years to the study of life.
November 16.......Gunny Basilone's 100th Birthday. Happy Birthday and Thanks, Marine.
He could have had any USMC preference posting but chose to return to combat among other marines.......and was then killed in action and buried beside other Marines in foreign soil......! Semper Fi.....!
He might have been temporarily buried on Iwo Jima, but John Basilone is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
I believe because of Basilone, Medal of Honor recipients are no longer allowed to continue service in combat zones for PR purposes
He's back home now. All Marine war dead are now home.
My son is a Marine. He volunteered to go too Iraq with RCT 8. And when RCT8 went to Afghanistan gunny Galloway ask him to come with them . So he volunteered. He could have came home early from Afghanistan but gave his set up for other Marines he felt needed to be home worse then him. He was there three extra month's. I am very proud of him. And so blessed he is home safe. And I think I understand the Frustration John's parents must have felt when he went back. God how you hate to see them leave.
@Tony Lam I think you misunderstood the comment. Jeremy Mendoza wasn't saying Basilone went back to combat for the publicity. He means that now MoH winners are not usually allowed to go back into combat due to the bad publicity it causes to have one killed.
They casted Lena Basilone perfectly. Anna Parisse and Lena both; beautiful, strong, elegant.
That is a great scene, the Basilone family finally had tangible evidence of John's death and was able to start grieving, which leads to healing. The directors really set up the despair and finally able to open up and grieve publicly.
Such a powerful and sad scene. My heart broke seeing his father at the end. RIP Mr Basilone.
This is truly a Lady. When she retired from the Marines she lived and worked in Lakewood California working in a electrical plant for 50 years until her death in 6/99. Prior to her death the VA made an offer to bury her next to her husband at Arlington National cemetery and she refused the offer. She didn’t want to cause trouble for anyone. She never remarried, She was a Lady and one heck of a Marine.
Amen!!! A Marine, through and through. Semper Fi.
As a Marine myself, I can barely get through this. Such a powerful scene and miniseries.
As long as there are people like the Basilones in this world, there is some small glimmer of hope. Fair winds and following seas, Sergeant.
Yet another example of why this was indeed the "Greatest Generation."
What I really liked about "The Pacific" mini series is that they gave us insight and stories about when the soldiers came home.
You don’t “earn” the Medal of Honor. You’re AWARDED it for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. John Basilone was proof of that.
Loser
like the 20 brave soldiers who received the medal of honor for the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890
@@mrj1000that is what YOU get when you elect individual politicians that do not understand the value of the oath they take. Or the souls that paid in blood for that oath.
You want different,
Then hold them politicians accountable.
Because accountability starts at the top.
The name of Basilone is seen by over 100,000 people a day driving north and south on the 5 freeway through Camp Pendleton in California.
He said that he was just a plain soldier. Oh my.
Marine.
John Basilone was a Marine.
The statue of him in Raritan, NJ is pretty poignant as well I grew up driving past it often..
The woman who plays John's mother in this scene is a briliant actress. The pain in her face from the moment she opens the door... what a great scene!
Lena Basilone never remarried. When asked about that later in life (she passed June 11, 1999, at the age of 86), she expressed no regret and said "true love only happens once." I've always found that sad, though she never did.
That was tearful. We lost a lot of boys. I appreciate every one of them.
To those that brought forth this series and its predecessor, Band of Brothers, I give my unending gratitude.
Without you, many would not have seen those sacrifices that the Greatest Generation made FOR US.
"Even today, on a real cold night, we go to bed, my wife will tell you this first thing I'll say 'I'm glad I'm not in Bastogne'."
No fucking shit there are things called books, but plenty dont read books, or they find an interesting book to read AFTER seeing the series.
***** Please. Talk about sanctimonious. Look at your own posts.
"Also, they were not the greatest generation as the book would indicate...its a myth, a fantasy."
No, not really. That generation served us in WWII and then sent man to the moon had one of the best years of post-war growth the US has ever seen, period.
"If they were so great, African Americans would have been able to do something as simple as sit at the lunch counter in a diner without being arrested, or women would not have been thought of as fungible, objectified household servants with zero rights, or gays would not have been dismissed as subhuman, or there would have been no need for SEPARATE black units or there would have been no need to put into prison camps an entire race of people who were in fact American and who's ancestral homeland was at war with us...the lost goes on. Hardly so great."
I said GREATEST GENERATION, not PERFECT generation. I love how you spout off about my words and other Americans as "sanctimonious", yet you judge this generation not on it's whole as a society but on its failings. And I say this as a Native (Ho-Chunk) who has served in three military branches.
"I would love to see truth...not some nationalistic homogenized version of what Americans need to see to validate ourselves. Truth is more important than well done drama that makes us out to be heros."
The truth is that they WERE heroes. Yes, IMPERFECT, FLAWED heroes. I have no problem with having great respect for humans that were FLAWED but real. Apparently, you need your "heroes" as ABSOLUTELY TRUTHFUL and PERFECT in every way. I don't, I'm much more realistic about who I hold up to the standard of hero. Combat and the world we live in has brought me to this point of view.
***** Yes, they were the greatest generation. Again, flawed and imperfect, yet the greatest. What that generation accomplished is far beyond what GenX did for the US, and that's coming from a GenX'er.
"As I said. In fact, if we were to measure put metrics around the measurable positive effects of each generation to include literally everything from industry to technology to peace, war etc...the generation of people born in the 1920's was measurably not the greatest. That is empirical."
OK, so start spilling out your metrics. I want to see how they are not above any generation before or after them? In terms of economic and technologic achievements. Most of the society we have today still owes it's roots to that founding era. If you want to make this a statistics debate, fire away.
"You again, drown your comment in nationalism, sanctimony and fallacy. Its not enough to simply say...Yeah the guys that went around lighting japanese soldier afire and tortured them, or the guys that literally took tanks and ran over their own wounded men who were crushed and screaming in the streets of europe as flawed. These were brutal, disgusting murderous things...not flaws or defects as in some systems glitch...but rather, purposeful, maleficent, inhuman events."
Yes, those were brutal and murderous things. But it was not the WHOLE GENERATION that did those things. Those were the failings of some. Did this generation try to exterminate the Jews? No, that was the German Nazi regime.
"I do love how you try to throw yourself int he mix of those to be sanctimoniously worshiped as though having a combat action ribbon somehow makes you a better critical thinker...it doesnt. My degree from Columbia does, not my ten years in the suck."
I have no idea where you get that, that's your own twisted take on my actual words. I would never even claim to want the respect I give to those of that generation. I simply put my military experience there as a backdrop to explain that I understand the realities of war, nothing more.
If you supposedly were in "the suck", you just contradicted yourself. When you said earlier that "combat and the world we live in has brought ME to this point" yet you say that your degree from Columbia makes you a better critical thinker. Nope, don't think so.
If I'm reading you right, you were in the Marines, got out, went to and grad from Columbia? So how does a Columbia degree give you a better perspective and worldview than mine? Or appreciation of real-world knowledge that supposedly "led you to where you are" now?
I was in the Marines for five years, grad from Nebraska-Lincoln, then USN officer, then USAF reserve. In all of those times, I learned the most about the world when I was overseas with the military. Not simply fighting wars, but meeting and exploring other peoples/cultures during off-times and port calls. I would put those experiences far above what I learned in college. So now, when I apply my already critical thinking to the real-world, it is tempered with the knowledge and understanding of REAL PEOPLE and my experiences.
***** "Yet again drowned in nationalism and false, fallacious patriotism and glorifying an entire generation because you watched a mini-series...thats brilliant"
Nope. You made that assumption. I glorify an entire generation because I have read about all the things they have done. As I've said, I was grateful the producers made the series to give others a glimpse into what I have read about and maybe take up and interest in history themselves.
"Ok then lets put our a metric...or two or three. In 1941 Japanese Americans had zero freedoms, zero constitutional rights and lost everything they owned including businesses, family fortunes and their liberties. Today, Japanese enjoy 100% more freedoms. Thats an improvement of 100 percent...its a solid empirical metric...I do this for a living there slappy...quantitative analysis that is."
Seriously, you call that a metric? Where did you say you went to school? Columbia? You need to go back to them and get your money back... If you call that "quantitative analysis", then you are seriously doing some powerful drugs.
Metrics in favor of your argument would show that because of improper imprisonment, Japanese/American nationals or immigrants earnings were affected.
"So lets talk about Black Americans and use similar metrics...I think you see where this going. You said '(y)es, those were brutal and murderous things. But it was not the WHOLE GENERATION that did those things.' and ipso facto that means that not everyone was great as well."
Sure, lets talk about it, since race seems to be the DOMINANT THEME (from a Columbia grad, not surprising) of your counter-argument.
No, not everyone was great, but their accomplishments as a whole, from the time of Post-Depression America, to the so-called Space Race, this generation was easily the greatest.
"..'I would never even claim to want the respect I give to those of that generation. I simply put my military experience there as a backdrop to explain that I understand the realities of war, nothing more.' Lol ok . You absolutely put yourself in with them...there is no point at all to say that you were in combat except to align yourself with those who you are revering and complimenting thus you try to include yourself as someone who has experienced combat ...like those of the 'greatest generation' you dont make a point no to want respect but rather to show how you should be respected and how your combat and life experience has made you knowledgeable."
Again, you make the mistake of assuming that I put my military experience to say that I was "one of them". I wasn't. I was putting out my military experience to show that I understand how rough combat is on people, and I don't armchair QB their fallacies when they happen. I am twisting nothing.
"Also, you say "Did this generation try to exterminate the Jews? No, that was the German Nazi regime." lol, seriously? Yes, that is the same generation..."
Are you seriously arguing that "the greatest generation" tag involves non-Americans? I don't see the GenX tag that applies to Europeans, does it? Or any other country than America. Those generational tags are Americana, not worldly. Your point is just fucking stupid. Get a refund on that "Columbia education".
"Gen X effectuated technological advancements that exponentially have advanced medicine, energy, life, freedoms, rights, awareness and more. We fought wars, created the largest stock market, built the wealthiest country on the planet where trillions of dollars are created, advanced the cause for peace and assistance to third world countries building hospitals, schools and other measurable positive effect."
GenX created technological advancements ON THE BACKS of the technology PIONEERED by the "greatest generation". Can you honestly say that the US would have the military, technological, or financial edge it does without the developments of the late 40s/50s/60s? If yes, again, smoking crack.
Militarily... easy. M-16 rifle (second to AK-47 worldwide today), F-15, F-16, F-18 were all borne of programs of the 1960s.
Technological...easy. Multiple US development and patents in transistors and computer development. Laser development, 1958. All the benefits of the Moon Landings, that turned civilian.
Financial...easy. Under Eisenhower, the US became the financially dominant world power and continues to this day. As a matter of fact, the US highway system still bears his name, the Eisenhower highway system, and still maintains those guidelines.
"Anyone could easily argue that GENX is a much greater generation in terms of actual measurable achievements...perhaps not a great dramatic mini series but better. If you write more I wont write until later tonight."
Nope. I'm a GenX'er and wouldn't even attempt to argue something soo pitiful. Granted GenX'ers have alot to be proud of, we took alot of the work the "greatest generation" did and moved it far more forward than any other previous generation, but we did it ON THE BACKS of the works they accomplished decades before.
Your foolish counter-argument that I used this mini-series to make my determination that this is the "greatest generation" is simply bad. I made no such determination. I simply said I was grateful the producers made this series so that others could see what I saw in how the "greatest generation" handled WWII.
Nothing like walking away from an argument and not having anything to reply to when I cite actual statistics of what was accomplished.
"Ivory Towers" eh?
Funny that you should mention that, yet have nothing to back up your counter-arguments. What's new for your generation? Damn, Gen Y'ers. Can't do a damn thing, except argue about arguing. Oh well.
Simply Powerful. As a Military dependent, I really do appreciate the whole situation. I was one of the luckier children of a Solider as my Dad was a 30 year "Lifer" in The USAF with Two Tours of Vietnam as a C-130 Hercules Pilot. Dad always said he had the easy gig of War compared to the land soldiers. Stay Strong Everyone
John Basilone was a hero, and our country is blessed to have had him.
Great scene...very emotional. The cost of war. Although his parents had 5 other children, how do you get over losing a child? To me, Mr. Basilone crying right at the end of the clip really got me.
Heartbreaking....just a brilliant series....me and my girlfriend cried for a long time watching this...and we also got to learn a lot about people we had never even heard of before....and now they have a special place in our hearts.
I'm 17, and I love military history from all aspects; I admire those who served in any war. But those I admire the most is those of World War 2; they had their lives interrupted in a awful and unexpected manner and yet they still marched on, some to death, some to victory, but all marched to glory and immortality in my eyes. But when we are watching a documentry in History class and I see my fellow Juniors not interested or even laughing I become disgusted and unconfident in my generation...
I felt the same about my generation coming of age in the mid-1980's. Never had many friends my own age. They were spoiled children. I went into the Navy right out of high school. Thirty-plus years later, most people are worse now than then. Spoiled children in adult bodies, raising spoiled children of their own. To this day, I do not understand them. I stopped trying many years ago.
You are clearly cut from a different cloth. That's a good thing. Never follow the herd. Sometimes the herd panics, & stampedes off a cliff! You'll have some lonely days, but remember; there are worse things than being alone. It's a path few have the strength to tread.
Regardless, I wish you well in all your endeavors. Success in all your challenges. Peace in all your days.
So sad and it's dangerous to be ignorant of ones country history and in America the radical left want to tarnish banned our history
You'll be sad to hear its even worse nowadays.
When ,not if, but when harder times come your understanding and wisdom beyond your years will make a difference. And circumstances can change your generation. It did for WW2 people. Each genetation has to sort themselves out.
This scene hits like 3 million tons of bricks. I never cry for much, barely shed a tear...I bawled at this scene.
Yup. Pretty much the same.
It was fitting that the series had a focus on John Basilone ...a true American hero of whom we should never forget...
Such a great scene. Hard not to tear up every time I watch it.
There's a "Basilone Rd" exit off of I-5, near Camp Pendleton, as you drive south from LA to San Diego. Until I watched The Pacific I kind of vaguely knew he was a medal of honor winner but didn't know much more. This series inspired me to learn more about him and what an outstanding person he was.
Heartrendering, happened over and over and over. The fact that he didnt have to go back but did anyway says everyting you need to know about the kind of Marine John Basilone was. I hope you found some peace and happiness Lena. God rest both your souls.
This one hit me directly in the feels.
I loved Band Of Brothers, but the one thing it lacked that the Pacific did not was the impact back home. Band Of Brothers showed very deeply the impact on the soldiers when they lost their buddies or watched them die. The Pacific has that but also has the effect it had back home as well as demonstrated the difficulties soldiers faced returning home. Scenes like this happened hundreds of thousands of times over, millions all over the world.
Agreed, Adam, but the end of Band of Brothers brought the viewer back into "today's world," where we got to hear the real Dick Winters and his men speak directly to us, and praise their friends who never returned.
True. But I thought Band of Brothers was more watchable. It was more entertaining though.
IMHO, the best written, directed and acted scene in the whole series. Touching and poignant.
Brought to you by the same gentlemen who filmed the famous Gold Star mother non-verbal scene in Saving Private Ryan, which I thought equally as powerful as this Basilone scene.
You might be right. Such a hard competition though
I just want to hug Mr. Basilone really badly. He looks like such a good person (as does the rest of the family but he looks like he needs it).
I aint got nothing to whine about. Or nothing to cry about. These men gave their lives for us. My heartfelt thanks to all of 'em! Every damn one of 'em!
This makes me cry every time I watch this scene.
I don't know why I rewatch scenes like this; I hate to cry. Now I'm stuck with a headache and stuffy nose for the next hour or so. Such a powerful scene when Mama realizes that they're all sharing the same love and grief.
After John died even though she was still young enough, Lena never remarried! She kept her love for him in her heart for the rest of her life!
'The Pacific' series was underrated (my opinion)...
What a scene.
Basilone. Certainly one of the bravest men to have served this country.
Audie Murphy is, of course. famous. I am pretty sure that the two men would have liked one another.
Such a wonderful and meaningful series. Of course I bought it and will watch it many more times as long as my life continues. It has taught me so much.
I have only been moved like this once before. On a panel show in the 80s a man sat next to a girl and her father. The girl had received the heart of the first mans daughter killed in crash. She asked him if he would like to listen to his daughters heart And he did placing his ear against the girls chest. That man broke down on stage and I did too. Losing a child is worse possible thing that can happen to you And the look on the old mans face holding the medal says it all
Seeing an old woman cry is one of the saddest things ever.
I watched this video like five times , and every time it brought tears to my eyes....
This four minutes i still get tears in my eyes, as i watch this, must be that gentle side of the marine in me. I still love and hurt for the greatest generation.
There are some women who just carry 40s clothing. Annie Parisse is one of them. Elizabeth Shue is another.
Something a lot of people don't know.... Lena Basilone never remarried and stayed close the Basilone family for the rest of her life. She and John had less than three weeks together as husband and wife.
May God rest the souls of John Bassilone and all of our fallen heroes!
I think one of the most amazing parts of this scene is how Annie Parisse first starts to crack when she looks at John's father around the 2:50 mark. Its so subtle and so powerful, as she likely see's John in his father and imagine how painful that must have been. The father can barely speak english and he's the first person in the scene to say something nice to her, and then looks at her expectantly throughout. Heartbreaking and amazing acting.
Man, this shit makes me so sad.
Soldiers and Marines have families, untold stories, and this is only one of the millions of stories from WW2. I can't even imagine.
That scene is a gut punch. I can’t watch it without crying.
Same. And no other show or movie or scene has ever made me cry.
This scene made me cry when I first saw. Still brings a tear.
John basilone is a hero, and a marine. You learn about him in boot camp and every time you think you want to quit they'll always tell you something like " would john basilone quit?" This guy is a marine the definition of HONOR COURAGE COMMITMENT!
This is a painful scene reminding us of the sorrow and sadness that is left when war is over. All that is left is the painful memory of the loss. This was multiplied thousands of times over at the end of WWII. And it never goes away,not ever.
Approximately 460,000 times in the USA, myriads more across Europe and Asia. And sometimes multiple times as in the case of the Sullivan's and the Nieman's (the real Pvt. Ryan.)
That was hard to watch. Semper Fi, John.
🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤OH MY GOD! A scene played out so many times! A fallen hero, a grieving family!
Those who chose to stand up for OUR COUNTR,OUR FREEDOM ! Yet, there are those who ran away from their responsibilities and now degrade them and mock them! You know who they are, make them pay!🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤🙏🏻❤
This is one of the most soul touching scenes I've ever seen, and I've watched a lot.
Unselfish, beautiful, and truly loved John and his family. Even after death. What a remarkable human being!
They need to make a movie specifically about this man and his life. They did so about Audie Murphy and Desmond. An incredibly selfless gesture on her part. She by rights as his,wife could have kept the medal. She should be equally honored.
I have lived near Basilone Rd. San Diego all my life here,but I never delved deeply into Basilone until now. Semper Fi, MARINE!!!! you stood for all that our present people don't appreciate. My Dad came home with medals galore,also. They were the brave ones!!! I hear people have died from being threatened with a participant trophy!!!
There were people like John Basilone, who never returned home, but in some way, escaped the horrors and trauma and the difficulties of post-war life.
There are others like Robert Leckie, who survived and suffered physical injuries but managed to reajust to normal life rather easily and get married.
Then there were people like Eugene Sledge who survived mostly physically unscathed but returned traumatized and with nightmares and had mental scars that never fully healed.
Robert Leckie (in real life) did suffer from PTSD. His wife Vera was interviewed a few years ago and she said he had nightmares throughout his entire life and had to be calmed down, also when he was losing his memory to dementia he still vividly remember his war experience.
I've been fortunate enough..and humbled...to host Marine Corp Bday Dinner at restaurant I managed three times...
His name will never be forgotten in the MC
I worry for the rest of us doing so
As a Marine who deployed twice this rocks me every damn time I see the Dad open that box.
The look of the Dad. Got to me the first time. The overall held emotions.
The second the medal of honor was opened I cried like a baby. Can you imagine seeing that given to you for your son? It would have been breath taking. To think the country Awarded your son the highest honor possible is just God smacking. Thank you Basilone family for sharing that private moment with us, your sons and daughter really were true Americans through and through.
gob smacking. not God smacking.