Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone: Recipient of Medal of Honor
“There are only two kinds of people who understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else just has a second-hand opinion.” (Gen William Thornson, U.S. Army) For decades, the United States Marine Corps has established an identity as a unique and fearless war fighting machine. On November 10th, 1775 the Marine Corps was established in Tun Tavern during the Revolutionary War. Since that time, the Marines have played an important role in securing America’s freedom through countless battles. The Marines have distinguished themselves as an elite force specializing in military tactics which assist in defeating the enemy under any circumstance. The Marine Corps is a small branch with limited personnel which allows them the opportunity to eliminate any possible weak links. This mentality ensures that the heart of the Marine Corps remains strong and unified. The traditions and history of the Marine Corps is instilled into every Marine recruit from the day they step on the yellow foot prints. Men and women from all walks of life make the decision to become Marines which is a lifelong brotherhood. They join knowing they will, at one point in their Marine Corps career, be sent onto some foreign land thousands of miles from home and into a warzone. Many Marines go to war but not everybody can overcome their fear and prove themselves in the heat of battle. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was a Medal of Honor recipient and a true American hero. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the president, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States armed forces who distinguish themselves through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.” John Basilone received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Guadalcanal during WWII. John
References: Smith, L (2008) Iwo Jima World War II Veterans Remember the Greatest Battle of the Pacific. W.W. Norton & Company Murphy J (1984) History of the U.S. Marines. Bison Books Corp. Proser J (2004) I’m Staying With My Boy’s The Heroic Life of Sgt Basilone, USMC. St. Martin’s Griffin Alexander, J (1997) A Fellowship of Valor: The Battle History of The United States Marines, Lou Reda Productions, Inc. Glenn B. Knight. www.oldcorps.org copyright 2002-2011