TracGunny
03-05-04, 10:03 AM
Over the years, the United States Postal Service has issued postage stamps of famous American artists, inventors, musicians, explorers, etc. We, the Order Sons of Italy in America are currently petitioning the U.S. Postal Service to issue a postage stamp in honor of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, United States Marine Corps.
Sgt. Basilone, an American of Italian heritage, who hailed from Raritan, NJ, was a member of the Corps When war broke out in 1941. Prior to serving in the Marine Corps, he served a hitch in the U.S. Army and spent most of his military career in the Philippines where he was known by the nickname of “Manila John.”
On the night of October 24, 1942, Sgt. Basilone was a platoon sergeant of a .30 caliber machinegun unit attached to Company C, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, on Guadalcanal. During the night, a Japanese regiment Attacked Sgt. Basilone’s platoon position with heavy mortar and machinegun fire. The attack lasted all through the night and although many Marines in his platoon were either killed or wounded, He held the remainder of his platoon together, holding his position under the most difficult conditions. When ammunition ran low, he fought his way through enemy lines to supply the remaining Members of his platoon. The position was held until daybreak when Reinforcements arrived. No enemy breached his position, and over 100 Enemy dead were counted around the perimeter of his position. For His action, which was above and beyond the call of duty, Sgt Basilone Received our Nation’s highest military award, The Medal of Honor.
Sgt Basilone was returned stateside after Guadalcanal was secured, and was offered the rank of Second Lieutenant, but refused. Although he could have remained stateside, Sgt Basilone chose to return to the war zone in the Pacific and was assigned to the Fifth Marine Division. In February 1945, now Gunnery Sergeant Basilone was a Member of the invasion force at the island of Iwo Jima. He led his Platoon in the landing at Red Beach II, and in the ensuing battle against the enemy, a mortar shell landed on his platoon mortally wounding him and three members of his unit. Gunnery Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of his beloved Corps and Nation. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism at Iwo Jima and was the only Marine in World War II to be awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
There is no doubt that Gunnery Sergeant Basilone is not only well deserving, But most qualified, as evidenced by his outstanding military record And service to his country, to have a United States Postage Stamp Issued in his honor.
Edward Mottola Jr.
Public Relations Chairman
Order Sons of Italy in America, Inc.
House Congressional Resolution 218 calls for the issuance of a United States Postage Stamp honoring United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Contact your Congressional Representatives and voice your support for this resolution.
Contact your Representative at http://www.house.gov/writerep/ or Senator at http://www.senate.gov/. Others may call the legislative switchboard at (202) 224-3121. - TG
Sgt. Basilone, an American of Italian heritage, who hailed from Raritan, NJ, was a member of the Corps When war broke out in 1941. Prior to serving in the Marine Corps, he served a hitch in the U.S. Army and spent most of his military career in the Philippines where he was known by the nickname of “Manila John.”
On the night of October 24, 1942, Sgt. Basilone was a platoon sergeant of a .30 caliber machinegun unit attached to Company C, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, on Guadalcanal. During the night, a Japanese regiment Attacked Sgt. Basilone’s platoon position with heavy mortar and machinegun fire. The attack lasted all through the night and although many Marines in his platoon were either killed or wounded, He held the remainder of his platoon together, holding his position under the most difficult conditions. When ammunition ran low, he fought his way through enemy lines to supply the remaining Members of his platoon. The position was held until daybreak when Reinforcements arrived. No enemy breached his position, and over 100 Enemy dead were counted around the perimeter of his position. For His action, which was above and beyond the call of duty, Sgt Basilone Received our Nation’s highest military award, The Medal of Honor.
Sgt Basilone was returned stateside after Guadalcanal was secured, and was offered the rank of Second Lieutenant, but refused. Although he could have remained stateside, Sgt Basilone chose to return to the war zone in the Pacific and was assigned to the Fifth Marine Division. In February 1945, now Gunnery Sergeant Basilone was a Member of the invasion force at the island of Iwo Jima. He led his Platoon in the landing at Red Beach II, and in the ensuing battle against the enemy, a mortar shell landed on his platoon mortally wounding him and three members of his unit. Gunnery Sergeant “Manila John” Basilone paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of his beloved Corps and Nation. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism at Iwo Jima and was the only Marine in World War II to be awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
There is no doubt that Gunnery Sergeant Basilone is not only well deserving, But most qualified, as evidenced by his outstanding military record And service to his country, to have a United States Postage Stamp Issued in his honor.
Edward Mottola Jr.
Public Relations Chairman
Order Sons of Italy in America, Inc.
House Congressional Resolution 218 calls for the issuance of a United States Postage Stamp honoring United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Contact your Congressional Representatives and voice your support for this resolution.
Contact your Representative at http://www.house.gov/writerep/ or Senator at http://www.senate.gov/. Others may call the legislative switchboard at (202) 224-3121. - TG