HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC, /UCWE/ - The life story of World War II Marine hero Sgt. John Basilone has been preserved in U.S. history—as well as on film—in a recently released documentary, Lightbearer Communications Co., which produced the film, announced today.
Based on the same-titled 2004 book, “I’m Staying with My Boys…” the film recounts the life story of one of the most heroic military figures in World War II. Following Basilone through his New Jersey childhood, the film brings to life many colorful stories that shaped his determination and courage seen on the battlefields.
The film features many never-before seen photos of Basilone, as well as interviews with family members Phyllis Basilone Cutter and Carlo Basilone, and with fellow Marines PFC Chuck Tatum, USMC (ret.) and Lt. Gen. Lawrence Snowden, USMC (ret.).
The documentary film was written and directed by Jim Proser, author of the 2004 biography. It features the voice talents of Chris D’Elia and Jeffrey Sugarman, and music by Christy Crowl. Technical advisor was Col. Ken Jordan, USMC (ret.). Executive producers are Jerry Cutter and Edward H. Schwallie.
Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, for his unforgettable courage during the 1942 battle of Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal. In charge of a machine gun squad defending a pass leading to the strategically important Henderson Airfield, Basilone held off an advancing Japanese regiment until reinforcements arrived. During the attack, Basilone crossed the battlefield three times to obtain ammunition for his gunners. At one point, only he and two other Marines were able to carry on. Under continued fire, Basilone moved an extra gun into place, repaired another and then personally manned it, holding the line until replacements arrived.
On his return home, President Roosevelt encouraged Basilone to remain stateside to help sell war bonds but instead Basilone wanted to “stay with his boys.” Risking court martial, Basilone insisted on returning to action. His request was granted, and he again reported for duty in the South Pacific.
Basilone also performed with a hero’s courage on Red Beach in the battle of Iwo Jima, 1945. Under heavy fire, Basilone assessed a Japanese bunker that was delivering deadly rounds on landing U.S. troops. Noting a sighting hole in the bunker’s side, he redirected machine gun fire, disabling the Japanese’s 75 MM cannons. With the bunker crippled, Basilone seized the opportunity and ordered a runner to deliver a payload of C4 to the thick steel doors. The bunker was completely destroyed, allowing U.S. Marines to continue the beach landing. While bringing additional men into position, Basilone was killed by a mortar round.
He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second highest honor for heroism in battle. He is the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.
Basilone also received a Purple Heart for his actions at Iwo Jima, and an American Defense Service Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, a World War II Victory Medal, an American Campaign medal, and the New Jersey Distinguished Service award. He was also recognized by the U.S. Navy through the christening of the destroyer USS Basilone, commissioned in 1949. His remains are interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
Both the documentary and book are available on DVD for $19.95 each, plus shipping and handling. To order, call toll-free (888) 827-2762, or visit
www.johnbasilone.com.
Additional Resources:
Sgt. John Basilone Foundation, Inc.
(888) 827-2762
www.sgtjohnbasilone.com Promotes the principles exemplified by Basilone’s heroic life through charitable contributions to families of U.S. Marines deployed, scholarships, and other civil works.
Basilone Development Co.
(800) 822-0335
www.johnbasilone.com Publisher of the only family-authorized biography of Sgt. John Basilone and documentary film.
