[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5952-S5953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN MEMORY OF GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE

 Mr. SANTORUM. Madam President, today I stand before you to 
recognize the outstanding service exemplified by United States Marine 
Sergeant John Basilone. Sergeant Basilone was killed in action fighting 
at Iwo Jima on February 19, 1942. He remains distinguished as the only 
enlisted Marine to receive three of the military's highest honors: The 
Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, and the Navy Cross.
  Sergeant Basilone enlisted in the Army at eighteen years of age and 
became known as ``Manila John'' during his service in the Philippine 
Islands. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, young 
Basilone returned home. It was not long, however, before the soldier 
rejoined the armed services as a Marine In time for the Second World 
War. He was a member of the First Battalion under the First Marine 
Division during the Solomon Island campaign. After a courageous victory 
there, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He humbly

[[Page S5953]]

received this honor and declined the opportunity to remain stateside, 
returning instead to the Fifth Division of the Marines. On the 
Nineteenth of February, 1942, Sergeant John Basilone completed his 
final mission at Iwo Jima.
  Born in Buffalo, NY, to Salvatore and Dora Basilone, John was one of 
ten children. From his early days as a boxer to his final stand as a 
gunnery sergeant, it was evident that he possessed a unique spirit of 
strength, dedication, and determination. His heroism was recognized 
nationally with the highest military honors, and he posthumously 
received the Navy Cross, three bronze stars, a Purple Heart, as well as 
the World War II Victory Medal.
  As a fellow American sharing Basilone's Italian heritage, it is my 
honor to celebrate the legacy of a man so committed to defending the 
cherished ideals of this Nation. Commemorating our Nation's heroes and 
veterans remains vital to keeping this country's tradition of freedom 
intact.

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