“Never fear your enemy but always respect them.” — Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone
Seventy years ago, on February 19, Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was killed in action during the battle of Iwo Jima and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism — making him the first and only enlisted Marine to receive the Medal of Honor as well as the Navy Cross during World War II.
Every Marine who came after Basilone knows his name and his story. He was a former soldier who joined the Corps because the Army “wasn’t tough enough” and rose to fame during the battle of Guadalcanal, when he ran ammunition along the lines to beleaguered and cut-off Marines.
At points during Guadalcanal, Basilone hefted a Browning machine gun and fired from the hip — sustaining third-degree burns on both hands from using the weapon without protective gloves.
He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism on October 24, 1942, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines for his extreme heroism and sacrifice during the battle of Guadalcanal .
“While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault,” reads the Medal of Honor citation. “In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone’s sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on.”
“Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the US Naval Service.”
On February 19, 1945 Basilone was killed while serving as the Leader of a Machine-Gun section of the 27th Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima. For his bravery, outstanding leadership, and self-sacrifice Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross in September 1945.
Nearly three quarters of a century later, John Basilone’s example continues to inspire the Marines who follow after him.
SEE ALSO: 2 US military veterans explain why they joined an anti-ISIS militia in Iraq
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: 14 things you didn't know your iPhone headphones could do