Back on October 11, 2022, I wrote about the christening of a new U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, the USS Basilone (DDG-122). It was named after World War II Marine Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone.
From the Arlington National Cemetery site.
JOHN BASILONE
Section 12, Grave 384
Gunnery Sergeant John Basolone (1916-1945) was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraodinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in October 1942. During the brutal fighting with heavy casualties on both sides, he killed at least 38 Japanese soldiers.
He returned home to a hero's welcome, including a parade featured in "Life" magazine.
But, he requested to return to combat, stating that he was "just a plain soldier" who belonged with his unit.
On February 19, 1945, Basilone was killed in action leading an assault on the beaches of Iwo Jima. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the only enlisted Marine to be honored with both the Navy cross and the Medal of Honor..
--GreGen
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