John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the …

John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who was killed in action during World War II.

Before becoming known for his heroic actions in combat, Basilone served as a field cook in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at various bases, including Quantico and Parris Island, he …

Aug 4, 2025 · For his gallantry and heroism, Sgt. John Basilone was the first Marine enlisted recipient of America’s highest combat award in World War II.

On February 19, 1945, Basilone was killed in action leading an assault off the beaches of Iwo Jima. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the only enlisted Marine to be honored with both the …

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant John "Manila John" Basilone was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during World War II.

It was during the campaign for Guadalcanal that Sergeant Basilone forever achieved his place in Marine Corps history, becoming the first enlisted Marine in World War II to be awarded the Congressional …

Japanese soldiers as he moved. Without rest, water, and food, Basilone kept up constant fire on the Japanese. Only Basilone and two other Marines from the platoon were alive at the end of the battle, …

Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, of Raritan, New Jersey, was awarded the Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding heroism at Guadalcanal. Later, during the Iwo Jima campaign, he was …

While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault.