Lena Mae Riggi was born on March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon. Her parents were Italian immigrants. When she reached adulthood she left Oregon to attend business school. During World War II she enlisted in the Marine Corps. She was stationed at Camp Pendleton where she served as a field cook on the base attaining the rank of Sergeant.

During her time there she met John Basilone, a Marine and the first United States decorated World War II hero. They were married on July 7, 1944 and spent some time together before John returned to the South Pacific. He was killed on February 19, 1945 in an exchange of heavy gunfire on Iwo Jima. Lena was notified of his death on March 7, 1945 -- her 32nd birthday. In 21 Dec 1945 Lena christened a Navy destroyer ship named the USS Basilone in her husband's honor.

Lena never remarried. She purchased a home in Lakewood, California and lived there for over 50 years until her death. She worked for the electric company and volunteered countless hours of her time at the Women's Marine Association, the American Veteran's Auxiliary, and the Long Beach Veteran's Hospital. Just three days after Lena's death a resolution was passed naming a 17 mile stretch of the San Diego (I-5) Freeway near Camp Pendleton 'Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway'.

https://www.womenmarines.org/sgt-lena-mae-riggi-basilone/

https://news.va.gov/97959/veteranoftheday-marine-corps-veteran-lena-basilone/

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

Medal of Honor recipient United States Marine Corps (USMC) Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and wife, Lena, a USMC Sergeant Woman Marine (WM).

Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and wife Lena a USMC SGT Woman Marine WM

Lena was the official sponsor of the destroyer named after her husband, John Basilone, and participated in the christening of the USS "Basilone" on December 21, 1945. 

Lena M Basilone christening the USS Basilone

Riverside National Cemetery

Happy Birthday to a fellow WM!  If you'd like additional information about Lena Basilone visit these links:    
www.womenmarines.org/sgt-lena-mae-riggi-basilone/   

news.va.gov/97959/veteranoftheday-marine-corps-veteran-lena-basilone/

LENA M BASILONE

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