John Basilone’s Medal of Honor
Born: 4 November 1916 in Buffalo, N.Y…. Served three years in the Philippines in the Army prior to enlisting in the Marines… Turned down a commission following his actions on Guadalcanal… Requested a return to combat, and was killed in action 19 February 1945 on Iwo Jima, posthumously earning the Navy Cross… Only enlisted Marine to receive both the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross during World War II… Namesake of the destroyer USS Basilone (DE-824)… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery
Lt. Col. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller commanded Sgt. Basilone’s battalion, and was the officer that nominated him for the Medal of Honor. Here it is below:
