John Basilone

Held Guadalcanal's line and brought ammunition through fire.

During the Japanese assault on Guadalcanal’s Lunga defences on 24–25 October 1942, Sergeant John Basilone kept his machine guns in action despite casualties and sustained enemy fire. When one section was disabled, he brought another gun forward, repaired a damaged weapon and continued the defence. With ammunition nearly exhausted and supply routes cut, he carried urgently needed rounds through hostile fire to his gunners. His actions earned the Medal of Honor.

Born in Buffalo, New York, on 4 November 1916, Basilone grew up in Raritan, New Jersey. He served in the U.S. Army before joining the Marine Corps in July 1940. His Army service in the Philippines inspired the nickname “Manila John.”

At Guadalcanal he served with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He later reached the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and returned to combat with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

On 19 February 1945, the opening day of the Iwo Jima landing, Basilone attacked a fortified Japanese blockhouse with grenades and demolitions. He subsequently assisted a Marine tank trapped in a minefield under enemy fire. He was killed that day, and his extraordinary heroism earned a posthumous Navy Cross.

Basilone’s remains were subsequently reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery. His service has been commemorated through naval vessels bearing his name.

Official Medal of Honor citation

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone's sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Official 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.