Statement by Senator Jon S. Corzine
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Commemorative Postage Stamp

Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation calling on the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring an extraordinary American hero: Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. Basilone is the only person in American history to be awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Only one USPS stamp has ever commemorated an individual Marine, a stamp featuring John Phillip Sousa; it bears noting that although Sousa was a Marine, he was not selected for his service on the battlefield. It is time to remember the tremendous sacrifice of at least one individual Marine, John Basilone, an American Patriot.

Mr. President, John Basilone was raised in Raritan, New Jersey, one of ten children in a large Italian-American family. Soon after he turned 18, Basilone heeded the patriotic call and enlisted in the US Army. Basilone was immediately sent to the Philippines where he earned a nickname that would stick with him for the rest of his career: “Manila John.”

Mr. President, following his tour of duty in 1937, Basilone returned to Raritan. But he wouldn’t stay there long. In July 1940 – with much of Europe at war and the United States on the brink – “Manila John” left New Jersey, enlisting in the military once again, this time joining the United States Marine Corps.

Mr. President, on October 24, 1942, Basilone earned his Congressional Medal of Honor. He was sent to a position on the Tenaru River at Guadalcanal and placed in command of two sections of heavy machine guns. Sergeant Basilone and his men were charged with defending Henderson Airfield, an important American foothold on the island. Although the Marine contingent was vastly outnumbered and without needed support, Basilone and his men successfully repelled a Japanese assault. Other survivors reported that their success can be attributed to one man: "Manila John." He crossed enemy lines to replenish a dangerously low stockpile of ammunition, repaired artillery pieces, and steadied his troops in the midst of torrential rain. He went several days and nights without food or sleep, and the US military was able to carry the day. His exploits became Marine lore, and served as a patriotic inspiration to others facing daunting challenges in the midst of war.

Mr. President, for his courage under fire and profound patriotism, Basilone was the first enlisted Marine to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. When he returned to the United States, he was heralded as a hero and quickly sent on tour around the country to help finance the war through the sale of war bonds. The Marine Corps offered to commission Basilone as an officer and station him far away from the frontlines.

But, Mr. President, Basilone was not interested in riding out the war in Washington, DC. He was quoted as saying, “I ain't no officer, and I ain't no museum piece. I belong back with my outfit.” In December 1944, he got his wish and returned to the frontlines.

Mr. President, General Douglas MacArthur called him “a one-man army,” and on February 19, 1945 at Iwo Jima, Basilone once again lived up to that reputation. Basilone destroyed an enemy stronghold, a blockhouse on that small Japanese island and commanded his young troops to move the heavy guns off the beach. Unfortunately, less than two hours into the assault on that fateful day in February, Basilone and four of his fellow marines were killed when an enemy mortar shell exploded nearby.

When Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone died, Mr. President, he was only 27, but he had already earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the Purple Heart, and the appreciation of his nation. Basilone is a true American patriot whose legacy should be preserved.

Mr. President, now more than ever, the United States needs to honor and praise the courageous efforts put forth by the men and woman of our military. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution as an important message to our soldiers that we appreciate and admire all of their efforts in the war on terrorism.

Thank you, and I yield the floor.