[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOHN BASILONE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2006

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to 
join with me in paying tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the 
United States Armed Forces. John Basilone, born in 1916, served in the 
United States Army from 1934 until 1937 and in the United States 
Marines from 1942 until his death in 1945. Each year, since 1981, the 
good citizens of the Borough of Raritan, Somerset County, a vibrant 
community I am proud to represent, sponsor a parade in memory of John 
Basilone. The 25th Annual John Basilone Parade will take place on 
Sunday, September 25, 2006.
  John Basilone, native of Raritan, New Jersey, served an honorable 
career in defense of our country. For heroics performed on the invasion 
of Guadalcanal in August of 1942, Mr. Basilone was awarded The 
Congressional Medal of Honor. Without fear for his life, he unabashedly 
commanded his fellow troops and sought to bring the United States to 
victory.
  After returning from duty in Guadalcanal, John went home to Raritan 
to be honored by his friends and family for his courage and bravery. 
However, it was not long before Basilone sought another mission on 
behalf of his country. The Marines granted his wish to be sent back 
overseas in December of 1943.
  On February 19th of 1945 the Marines, including John, landed on the 
island of Iwo Jima. After giving the Marines a chance to wade ashore, 
the Japanese opened fire on defenseless United States soldiers. Brave 
men with leadership ability were needed to rally the troops. John 
Basilone rose to the occasion. Many survivors of the battle recall that 
in the midst of fighting there was one Marine out in the open, 
directing and rallying the men. It was John Basilone.
  Mr. Basilone was hit with a mortar shell and died of his wounds 
shortly thereafter on the island of Iwo Jima. For his actions that day, 
John Basilone was awarded The Navy Cross. According to his official 
biography, John Basilone remains the only soldier, non-officer, in 
United States history to be awarded both The Congressional Medal of 
honor and The Navy Cross.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the citizens of Raritan and the John Basilone Parade 
participants for celebrating the life of a fine man and true American 
hero.

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