Born on November 4, 1916, U.S. Marine John Basilone distinguished himself through extraordinary courage during World War II. Before joining the Marine Corps, he served three years in the U.S. Army, including approximately two years in the Philippines, where he became known as a formidable amateur boxer and acquired the nickname “Manila John.” After returning to civilian life, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 1940.
As a sergeant on Guadalcanal, Basilone earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 24–25, 1942. Commanding two sections of heavy machine guns, he helped withstand a fierce Japanese assault. Under continual enemy fire, he brought an additional gun into position, repaired and personally manned another, and carried urgently needed ammunition through hostile lines to his gunners.
Basilone returned to the United States to participate in war bond tours, but repeatedly requested a return to combat. He declined an officer’s commission, and his request to return overseas was eventually approved. After further training at Camp Pendleton, he returned to the Pacific with the 5th Marine Division.
On February 19, 1945, now a gunnery sergeant, Basilone landed on Iwo Jima. When a fortified Japanese blockhouse halted his company’s advance, he attacked and destroyed the position with grenades and demolitions. Later, under heavy fire, he guided an American tank through a minefield to safety. He was killed that day at 28. Posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, he became the only enlisted Marine to receive both that decoration and the Medal of Honor during World War II.
