GySgt John Basilone St Mary Star of the Sea K of C Council 9111

WHY JOHN BASILONE? Before John Basilone became "Manila John" he was a Knight of Columbus. Because of his heroic actions on the Island of Guadalcanal he was awarded the Medal of Honor. As a Medal of Honor recipient he was ordered back to the United States in order to help the US government raise money for the war during a War Bonds tour. Always feeling out of place in the spotlight, GySgt Basilone petitioned multiple times to return to the Pacific Theater of combat. Eventually he was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA in order to train the Marines that he would ultimately lead into combat against the Japanese. While at Camp Pendleton GySgt Basilone met and fell in love with Reserve Sgt Lena Mae Riggi. On 10 July 1944 they were married at St Mary Star of the Sea church in Oceanside. GySgt John Basilone was killed in action on 19 February 1945 during the invasion of Iwo Jima. We honor him and his family as well as Catholic heroes and Knights that have come before us. Just as Jesus Christ had the power to save himself from the cross, GySgt John Basilone could've lived out the remainder of WWII safe in the United States. Jesus Chist, our Lord and Savior gave his life so that we could be saved and GySgt Basilone gave his life in order to protect the free world from a dangerous enemy. Vivat Jesus & Semper Fidelis!