‘Manila’ John Basilone: The Only Enlisted Marine To Receive Both The Medal of Honor and Navy Cross in WWII

It’s World War II, and you’ve got this absolute legend named John Basilone serving as a sergeant in the US Marine Corps. 

Born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York, this guy isn’t just a regular soldier. He’s a one-person army, the real-life action hero you’d expect to find in a Hollywood movie.

John Basilone was the kind of man who walked into a battlefield with courage as his shield and determination as his weapon. He was so exceptional that he was the only enlisted Marine to earn both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross during the entire war. These are the military’s top honors, mind you.

What you’re about to read isn’t your average war story, and Basilone isn’t your average hero. He’s the epitome of bravery, the kind of guy who’d fight a thousand battles and still sign up for one more. 

We will delve into the life of John Basilone, the true embodiment of an American hero and an inspiration for every person in and out of uniform.

The Man

John Basilone popped into the world on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in a packed house with his Italian immigrant parents and nine siblings. Growing up with that many kids, you learn to stand your ground quickly.

When he was a teenager, his family moved to Raritan, New Jersey. By then, John had started showing his knack for being a protector. He was a tough kid with a heart of gold. 

He wasn’t afraid to step in if someone needed help – the sort of guy who’d give you his last dollar if you needed it more than him.

The Myth and the Birth of ‘Manila John’

Just out of high school, at 18 years old, he figured, “Why not join the U.S. Army?” So, in 1934, that’s what he did.

Next thing he knew, he was getting shipped off to the Philippines – a world away from everything he knew. And he embraced it. 

John Basilone spent three solid years there, adjusting to the rigors of military life and proving himself as a soldier. He became so well known in his stint in the country that he picked up the nickname “Manila John” – a moniker that stuck with him throughout his life.

In the Philippines, Basilone got his first real taste of military life. He wasn’t sitting behind a desk pushing papers – no sir, he was on the ground, learning the ropes of being a soldier and working his way up the ranks. Basilone worked with the 31st Infantry Regiment in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

Basilone turned out to be a natural at the soldiering gig. Whether on patrol, participating in military exercises, or handling weaponry, he showed the discipline, toughness, and smarts to be a great soldier. 

But it’s not just about the hard stuff; Basilone also knew how to keep spirits high. He earned a reputation as a morale booster, always there with a joke or a story to lighten the mood.

Joining the Big Leagues

After Basilone’s seven-year stint in the U.S. Army, he decided to continue with military life. So, in 1940, he upped the ante and decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

The training for the Marines is intense – it’s not for the faint of heart. But Basilone, being the tough-as-nails kind of guy he was, breezed through it. 

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, and before he knew it, he was shipping off to Guadalcanal in the South Pacific as part of World War II. It’s there where things kick off for Basilone.

Basilone proved he was one tough Marine during the Battle of Guadalcanal. He was a one-person wrecking crew, a machine gunner. 

On October 24-25, 1942, he held his position all night against a major offensive by the Japanese, fixing and repositioning his machine gun, even while under heavy fire. Basilone saved his unit and played a crucial role in the victory of that battle.

Basilone subsequently received the Medal of Honor, a solemn reminder of his sheer bravery and indomitable spirit. 

But instead of just basking in the glory, he did something surprising. Feeling at home with his fellow Marines, Basilone went back to the front lines and the war. 

The Legend

It’s 1945, and Basilone proved his mettle in the Battle of Guadalcanal. But he wasn’t done yet.

Iwo Jima is this tiny island in the Pacific critical to the war effort. The U.S. wanted to capture it and use it as a base for bombing raids on Japan. But the Japanese? They were dug in like ticks on a hound dog and refused to give up the island without a fight.

Enter Basilone and his fellow Marines. Right from the get-go, the Battle of Iwo Jima was as brutal as perceived. Basilone, true to form, was right in the thick of it. He and his men advanced, traversing the island despite heavy fire and extreme danger.

Now, here’s where Basilone pulled a superhero move. With his unit caught in the crossfire from a Japanese blockhouse, Basilone decided to go full-on Rambo instead of taking cover. He charged the blockhouse and took it out with grenades and other explosives. 

His heroics helped his unit move forward. But tragically, Basilone was killed later that day by a mortar shell. He died a hero at the tender age of 28, doing what he did best – fighting for his country.

The Legacy of ‘Manila’ John Basilone

John Basilone was a tough-as-nails Marine who showed the bravery and guts you only see in the movies. And this wasn’t just a one-time thing. Basilone proved that he was a real-life hero from his early days in the Philippines to his last stand at Iwo Jima.

Because of his epic feats, he became one of the most decorated Marines in the U.S. He’s the only enlisted Marine to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross during World War II, a massive deal in the military world.

But John Basilone’s legacy isn’t just about the medals and accolades. It’s about what he stood for – courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to his fellow Marines. 

Basilone returned to the front lines even after becoming a national hero because he believed his place was with his brothers in arms. That kind of selflessness is rarer than a unicorn.