Raritan in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Basilone

Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

— Hero Of Guadalcanal —

John Basilone Monument - Front Inscription image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, March 12, 2009

1. John Basilone Monument - Front Inscription

Inscription.
Marker Front: Born in Buffalo NY, Novemver 4, 1916
Enlisted from Raritan, N.J., July 11, 1940
Awarded Congressional Medal Of Honor for Heroic Action on October 24, 25, 1942
Volunteered again for combat, Dec. 27, 1943
Killed in action on Iwo Jima, Feb. 19, 1945
Marker Reverse:Congressional Medal Of Honor Citation For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in the Lunga area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 24 and 25, 1942.

While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sergeant Basilone's sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only two men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under contiunual 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, Sergeant

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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 a 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 United States Naval Service.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
President United States

Erected 1948 by The American Legion - John Basilone Post No. 280.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 11, 1940.

Location. 40° 33.898′ N, 74° 38.364′ W. Marker is in Raritan, New Jersey, in Somerset County. It is at the intersection of Old York Road and Canal Street, in the median on Old York Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raritan NJ 08869, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s North Jersey,

specifically in Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Memorial to the Naraticong Indians (a few steps from this marker); Raritan Veterans Monument (a few steps from this marker); Somerset County Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Raritan Veterans Memorial

John Basilone Monument - Rear Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, March 12, 2009

2. John Basilone Monument - Rear Plaque

(within shouting distance of this marker); Raritan Water Power Canal (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nevius Street Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hibernia Mine Railroad Bridge (approx. 0.6 miles away); General John Frelinghuysen House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Raritan.

Also see . . .
1. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, USMC, (1916-1945). On the Naval Historical Center website (Submitted on March 16, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey.)

2. "Manila" John Basilone. America's Hero - The Sergeant York of WWII (Submitted on March 16, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey.)

3. The artist, Philip Orlando. (Submitted on February 26, 2010, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey.)
4. The unveiling of the statue. (Submitted on February 26, 2010, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey.)

Additional commentary.
1. Medal of Honor Citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.
Born: 4 November 1916, Buffalo, New York.
Accredited to: New Jersey.
Other Navy award: Navy Cross.

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism and

John Basilone Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Alan Edelson, March 12, 2009

3. John Basilone Monument

conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area. Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. 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 U.S. Naval Service.

— Submitted March 16, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New
Photographed by Alan Edelson, March 12, 2009

4. John Basilone Monument - Left Side Plaque
Erected By John Basilone Post, No. 280 The American Legion With Public Donations and Post Funds To Honor The Immortal Hero of Guadalcanal Sergeant John Basilone
Jersey.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5,371 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 13, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.