Like all big wars, World War II produced a great many widows and orphans, the hidden victims of war.
Navy Cross Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company’s advance was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over the battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite the overwhelming volume of hostile fire. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of the fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Basilone could have honorably avoided combat after his heroics on Guadalcanal which earned him a Medal of Honor. Instead he insisted on a combat assignment, stating simply that he needed to be with his boys. No wonder his bride still wore her wedding ring when she was buried 54 years after the death of her husband.
I lost my uncle Francis at Iwo. A few years later, I got to salute him as I steamed by Iwo on my aircraft carrier. I do wonder if so many of those brave kids would have fought as willingly, had they realized what this great nation would voluntarily turn into?
“I do wonder if so many of those brave kids would have fought as willingly, had they realized what this great nation would voluntarily turn into?” I’m not sure as many would have, but they truly were the greatest generation and probably always will be. Lately I’ve been listening to podcasts of the Pacific War and the description of those that served at Guadalcanal was so graphic you couldn’t eat while listening. Bravery was everywhere, like Ernest Evans and the SS Johnson fighting so hard in the Battle off Samar to save the day after Halsey went off chasing ghosts that the commander of an opposing ship that eventually sank the Johnson saluting him as he went down with the ship. In harms way indeed. The difference is that most men in those days loved God, loved America, love their families and most importantly loved the guys fighting with them. Today they only love themselves. #pronouns.
I’m not sure as many would have, but they truly were the greatest generation and probably always will be.
Three groups that Americans have held in special esteem:
Civil War Vets.
World War II Vets.
There has been a passing of the torch among those three groups down through the history of our country. Now we face a vacuum.
Jack Palance;
Day ain’t over yet.
If anything, this blatant assault on the Republic, via zombies of JB, will be a catalyst for the fourth greatest generation… the one that saves the Republic.
I’m a little more… optimistic.
The Revolutionary generation had to come from somewhere, after all.
And the phrase “after a long series of abuses” seems to have renewed resonance today…