John Basilone

John Basilone War Heroes

American Gunnery Sergeant ‘Manila’ John Basilone had a very impressive past. He became the only Marine to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross during World War II. At the Battle of Guadalcanal, Sergeant Basilone was able to defend a narrow pass with his gun team who with no machines, just humans against the Japanese. He turned down a safer location and headed back to Iwo Jima, where he died on the battlefield.