January 1, Medal of Honor Marine Stands Tall as Patriot Hero

Wyatt’s Take

• John Basilone showed what real American courage looks like in the heat of battle.
• His actions on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima prove that bravery and sacrifice still matter.
• Basilone’s story reminds every working American that freedom was earned by men willing to pay the ultimate price.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was an infantryman during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Guadalcanal in 1943, and two years later, he posthumously received the Navy Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Basilone was born Nov. 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York.

His family later moved to New Jersey, where he grew up and attended school. Basilone enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940 and was sent to fight in the Pacific theater.

During the Battle of Guadalcanal, Basilone led his machine gun section through intense enemy fire. He moved from position to position, keeping his guns firing even when supplies ran low.

Basilone personally killed dozens of Japanese soldiers and helped hold the line against repeated attacks. His leadership and courage under fire earned him the Medal of Honor.

After returning home as a hero, Basilone insisted on going back to the fight. He was killed in action on Iwo Jima in February 1945.

“He was a true American hero who gave everything for his country,” said Marine Corps officials.

Basilone’s legacy lives on in Marine Corps training and in the hearts of those who value service and sacrifice.

Wyatt Matters

Hard-working Americans still believe in honoring the men who stood between freedom and tyranny. John Basilone’s story belongs to every family that teaches its children the meaning of duty and courage.