SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 155


In Memory

of

John Basilone


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to
pay tribute to the life of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a
World War II Hero and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and 
to declare February 19, 2003, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Day; 
and

	WHEREAS, John Basilone, was a resident of Raritan, New Jersey,
and served in the First Marine Division and the Fifth Marine 
Division of the United States Marine Corps during World War II; 
and

	WHEREAS, While serving as a gunnery sergeant in the First 
Marine Division in the Lunga area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 
Sergeant Basilone performed heroically in a fierce battle with a 
Japanese regiment over October 24 and 25, 1942; at great risk to 
his life, he fought valiantly against the enemy, operated and 
repaired heavy machine guns after one of his gun crews was 
incapacitated, and gallantly defended his position until 
replacements arrived; and

	WHEREAS, He also battled his way through enemy lines to 
carry urgently needed shells to his gunners, contributing in 
great measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment; 
and

	WHEREAS, For his heroism, Sergeant Basilone became the 
first enlisted Marine to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, 
which was awarded to him by President Franklin D. Roosevelt; and

	WHEREAS, John Basilone returned to his country a true war 
hero, and his hometown of Raritan welcomed him with a large 
gathering in his honor; he was sent on a 10-state war bond tour 
with such celebrities as Frederic March, Martha Scott, and
John Garfield, and he was offered a second lieutenant's 
commission, which he turned down; and

	WHEREAS, John married Lena Rigi, a fellow Marine sergeant, 
in 1944, and later, desirous of returning to combat, he was 
assigned to the newly formed Fifth Marine Division and landed
on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945; that same morning, he again 
performed heroically, guiding a trapped tank away from a 
minefield and destroying an enemy Japanese blockhouse;
John Basilone was killed when an enemy mortar shell exploded
as he and three of his men set up machine guns near Montoyama 
Airfield #1; and

	WHEREAS, Sergeant Basilone was buried in Arlington 
National Cemetery, and he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross 
for his last act of heroism on behalf of his country; since the 
1980s, a parade in John's honor has been held annually in his 
hometown of Raritan, New Jersey; today, a national effort to have 
a postage stamp issued in his honor is underway; and

	WHEREAS, John Basilone acted with courage and selflessness 
on behalf of his country; his acts of great personal valor were in 
keeping with the highest traditions of United States military 
service; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the late John Basilone 
and encourage Texans across the state to observe Gunnery Sergeant 
John Basilone Day; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an 
expression of the high regard of the Texas Senate.
                                                                           Estes




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 19, 2003, 
by a rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate