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Basilone Memorial Bridge

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The Basilone Memorial Bridge is a bridge on the New Jersey Turnpike ( I-95 ) in the U.S. state of New Jersey spanning the Raritan River . The bridge connects Edison on the north with New Brunswick on the south.

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61-669: The bridge, which opened along with the Turnpike in 1951 is named for John Basilone , a World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor who grew up in nearby Raritan, New Jersey . Memorials for the bridge can be found at both the northbound Joyce Kilmer Travel Plaza and southbound Thomas Edison Travel Plaza. This article about a bridge in New Jersey is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . John Basilone John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945)

122-465: A Native American term, and has been translated to mean "by the large stream". Accounts show that the area was first visited by European explorers in the summer of 1608 with settlement beginning later that year. After the start of the 18th century, the area became popular because of tobacco trade in Aquia Harbor. Because traveling on muddy roads in those days was slow, many villages sprang up along

183-583: A church gathering and married three years later. Basilone grew up in the nearby Raritan Town (now Borough of Raritan) where he attended St. Bernard Parochial School. After completing middle school at age 15, he dropped out prior to attending high school. Basilone worked as a golf caddy for the local country club before joining the military. Basilone enlisted in the United States Army in July 1934 and completed his three-year enlistment with service in

244-514: A female householder with no husband present, and 2.7% were non-families. 2.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.57 and the average family size was 3.57. In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 32.3% under the age of 18, 29.9% from 18 to 24, 35.5% from 25 to 44, 2.2% from 45 to 64, and 0.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

305-575: A machete, held off the Japanese soldiers attacking his position. By the end of the engagement, Japanese forces opposite the Marines' lines had been virtually annihilated. For his actions during the battle, Basilone received the United States military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor . Afterwards, Private First Class Nash W. Phillips of Fayetteville, North Carolina , recalled from

366-465: A parade in his honor when he returned. The homecoming parade occurred on Sunday, September 19 and drew a huge crowd with thousands of people, including politicians, celebrities, and the national press. The parade made national news in Life magazine and Fox Movietone News . After the parade, Basilone toured the country raising money for the war effort and achieved celebrity status. Although he appreciated

427-467: A rooftop environmental science center, patio, and garden. The facility uses natural light and heating from geothermal sources. In 2015 the Star-Tribune described it as "state-of-the-art school design". It replaced Ashurst, Burrows, and Russell elementary schools. Quantico Middle High School is the other facility. In 1919 a 1-8 school opened, though high school students had to attend school in

488-584: A sculpture, and a water tower located within the Mainside area of the base. The contributing properties with separate entries include Tennessee Camp, Camp French, Commanding General's Quarters, and Rising Hill Camp. The Quantico base is close to the Potomac River . The area was originally inhabited by the Patowomacks ( Algonquian ) in the 16th century. The name "Quantico" is presumed to come from

549-832: Is Tennessee Camp , listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. While battles took place in Manassas, Virginia and Fredericksburg, Virginia , the gun positions around Quantico were used until the end of the war. After a 12-day battle at the Spotsylvania Courthouse where the Union lost about 25,000 soldiers, the war moved out of the Quantico area. Following the war, railroads became an integral part of transportation in Virginia. In 1872,

610-543: Is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California . Lena's obituary notes that she never remarried and was buried still wearing her wedding ring. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone's military awards include: Basilone's Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to for service as set forth in

671-593: Is known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps". Quantico Station is a census-designated place (CDP) in Prince William and Stafford counties in the U.S. state of Virginia , used by the Census Bureau to describe base housing. The population was 4,452 at the 2010 census. The U.S. Marine Corps' Combat Development Command, which develops strategies for U.S. Marine combat and makes up most of

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732-510: Is located at 38°30′07″N 77°18′21″W  /  38.501951°N 77.305962°W  / 38.501951; -77.305962 (38.501951, −77.305962). According to the United States Census Bureau , the CDP has a total area of 8.1 square miles (21.1 km ), of which, 7.2 square miles (18.5 km ) of it is land and 1.0 square miles (2.6 km ) of it (12.27%) is water. The name "Quantico Station"

793-546: Is most often used to designate the train station in Quantico, Virginia where commuters use the Virginia Railway Express . As of the census of 2000, there were 6,571 people, 1,389 households, and 1,351 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 918.9 people per square mile (354.8/km ). There were 1,645 housing units at an average density of 230.0/sq mi (88.8/km ). The racial makeup of

854-506: Is the site of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Marine Helicopter 1 HMX-1 . HMX-1 was the first helicopter squadron to provide rapid transportation of U.S. Presidents, a mission they have continued to carry out to the present day. The base is the home of major training institutions for both the Marine Corps and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including: A replica of

915-691: The Battle for Henderson Field , his unit came under attack by a regiment of about 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division using machine guns, grenades, and mortars against the American heavy machine guns . Basilone commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for the next two days until only Basilone and two other Marines were left standing. As the battle went on, ammunition became critically low. Despite their supply lines having been cut off by enemies who had infiltrated into

976-537: The District of Columbia or in Fredericksburg and Occoquan in Virginia. In the 1930s the high school program opened, and enrollment was over 300 in 1940. The school was renamed Quantico Post School the following year, with groundbreaking and dedication of a new building on July 22 of that year and the subsequent year's January 6. Russell Elementary opened in 1953. University of Maryland Global Campus has

1037-679: The Marine Corps Museum used the facility for restoring aircraft and the Quantico Marine Corps Band used it for practicing. It was demolished about 2018 after the Barber Fitness Center was opened. Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Potomac River surround the town of Quantico . Access to the town is possible only through the base, the Amtrak train station, or from the river. Quantico Station

1098-523: The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was formed when several railroads north and south met at Quantico Creek. This railroad still runs through the base and is used daily. The village came to be called "Quantico" and was built by the Quantico Company. This was the start of a thriving tourist and fishing town that would later be encompassed by Marine Corps Base Quantico. Prior to

1159-621: The United States Army with duty in the Philippines . He was deployed to Guantánamo Bay , Cuba , and in August 1942, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal . In October, he and the two machine-gun sections under his command held off an attack by a numerically far superior Japanese force. He was one of only three Marines in that group to survive. His actions at Guadalcanal earned him the Medal of Honor . In February 1945, he

1220-610: The United States Marine Corps War Memorial , depicting the 2nd U.S. flag-raising on Iwo Jima , stands at the entrance to the base. (The original memorial stands at the north end of Arlington National Cemetery .) Larson Gym opened in December 1953 in a former aircraft hangar built in the 1930s. It had a seating capacity of 2,000 and was named for Colonel Swede Larson , a former United States Naval Academy football player and coach. In later years,

1281-399: The CDP was 73.25% White , 16.01% African American , 0.46% Native American , 2.15% Asian , 0.15% Pacific Islander , 3.91% from other races , and 4.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.37% of the population. There were 1,389 households, out of which 77.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 91.3% were married couples living together, 4.3% had

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1342-520: The Japanese defense and get off the landing beach during the critical early stages of the invasion. Basilone was posthumously awarded the Marine Corps' second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, for extraordinary heroism during the battle of Iwo Jima. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery , in Arlington, Virginia . His widow, Lena M. Basilone, died on June 11, 1999, aged 86, and

1403-613: The Marine Corps in 1816, when a group of Marines traveling by ship to Washington were stopped when their vessel was halted by ice in the Potomac, forcing them to debark and march to the town of Dumfries, Virginia . Here they met a young Captain Archibald Henderson who lived close by. A generous-natured man, Henderson hired a wagon for them and sent them on their way. During the American Civil War , control of

1464-650: The Marine Corps rather than in the Army. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940, in Baltimore , Maryland. He went to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island , followed by training at Marine Corps Base Quantico and New River . The Marines sent him to Guantánamo Bay for his next assignment and then to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands as a member of "D" Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines , 1st Marine Division . On October 24, 1942, during

1525-655: The Marine Corps. While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Basilone met his future wife, Lena Mae Riggi , who was a sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve . They were married at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California , on July 10, 1944, with a reception at the Carlsbad Hotel. They honeymooned at an onion farm near Portland, Oregon . After his request to return to the fleet

1586-625: The Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Brig , a military prison, was formerly located at Quantico. The base was designated as part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This district includes 122 buildings, two landscapes, a sculpture, and a water tower located within the Mainside area of the base. The contributing properties with separate entries include Tennessee Camp, Camp French, Commanding General's Quarters, and Rising Hill Camp. It

1647-663: The Naval Medical Clinic but is now home to Marine Corps Systems Command) to build ocean freighters and oil tankers . With growing tensions of war in Europe, the construction of U.S. Navy ships was a major money-maker for the Quantico Shipyards. While the Town of Quantico was rapidly growing as a fishing village, excursion center and a shipbuilding center in early 1917, the town was not large or significant, and

1708-602: The Philippines, where he was a champion boxer. In the Army, Basilone was initially assigned to the 16th Infantry at Fort Jay , New York, before being discharged for a day, reenlisting, and being assigned to the 31st Infantry . After he was released from active duty, Basilone returned home and worked as a truck driver in Reisterstown, Maryland . After driving trucks for a few years, he wanted to go back to Manila and believed he could get there faster by serving in

1769-646: The Potomac River became very important to the armies of both sides. The Confederates picked the Quantico Creek area on the Potomac to set up gun batteries. This enabled them to make full use of several points where their artillery could reach anything on the water, thus deterring Union use of the water highway. One of these sites included Shipping Point, the present day site of the Marine Corps Systems Command . Another site

1830-588: The RF&;P railroad lines and depot developed at Quantico in 1872. A beach was developed with dressing rooms and refreshment stands. In one week in 1916, Quantico was visited by 2,600 visitors who came by steamer or train. By 1916, the Quantico Company began advertising Quantico as "The New Industrial City," and pushed for industry to come to the area. At the same time, the Quantico Shipyards were established on Hospital Point (the land that formerly held

1891-578: The United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Leader of a Machine-Gun Section, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands , 19 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation shortly after landing when his company's advance

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1952-500: The admiration, he felt out of place and requested to return to the operating forces fighting the war. The Marine Corps denied his request and told him he was needed more on the home front . He was offered a commission, which he turned down, and was later offered an assignment as an instructor, but refused this as well. When he requested again to return to the war, the request was approved. He left for Camp Pendleton, California , for training on December 27. On July 3, 1944, he reenlisted in

2013-603: The base held first Department of Defense organized Warrior Games . The Corps' Combat Development Command, which develops strategies for Marine combat and makes up most of the community of over 12,000 military and civilian personnel (including families) is based here. It has a budget of around $ 300 million and is the home of the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School . The Marine Corps Research Center at Quantico pursues equipment research and development , especially telecommunications, for

2074-480: The base's establishment, the land was owned by the Town of Quantico . Around the start of the 20th century, the Quantico Company was formed on Quantico Creek. By the beginning of the twentieth century, Quantico was being advertised as a recreational day trip. The Quantico Company promoted the town as a tourist and excursion center, and brought in tourists from Washington and Richmond by the steamer St. Johns and trains using

2135-401: The battle for Guadalcanal: "Basilone had a machine gun on the go for three days and nights without sleep, rest, or food. He was in a good emplacement, and causing the Japanese lots of trouble, not only firing his machine gun, but also using his pistol." In 1943, Basilone returned to the United States and participated in war bond tours . His arrival was highly publicized, and his hometown held

2196-401: The battle-torn beach and up the sloping, gun-studded terraces toward Airfield Number 1, he repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of exploding shells and later in the day coolly proceeded to the aid of a friendly tank which had been trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages, skillfully guiding the heavy vehicle over the hazardous terrain to safety, despite

2257-514: The community of over 12,000 military and civilian personnel (including families), is based here. It has a budget of around $ 300 million and is the home of the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School . The Marine Corps Research Center at Quantico pursues equipment research and development , especially telecommunications, for the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Brig , a military prison, was also located at Quantico, until its closure on 31 December 2011 and its subsequent demolition. The FBI Academy ,

2318-512: The fanatic opposition, contributed materially to the advance of his company during the early critical period of the assault, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout the bitter conflict was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects the highest credit upon Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. Basilone received numerous honors, including

2379-616: The federal government and added to Quantico, making up what is now the base west of Interstate 95. The expansion was needed for additional range and maneuver training areas during World War II . In 1987, the Marine Corps Development and Education Command here was changed to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command . On the night of 21 March 2013, a Marine opened fire killing two other Marines before killing himself. In 2015,

2440-606: The first helicopter squadron to provide rapid transportation for Presidents of the United States (" Marine One "). It continues that mission today. In 1934, Amphibious Warfare Doctrine, along with special amphibious landing crafts for World War II were developed here. These Amphibious Warfare techniques, developed in the years before World War II, made victory possible in the Pacific theater. Quantico trained over 15,000 USMC and other service officers in these techniques. In 1942, over 50,000 acres (20,000 ha) were purchased by

2501-514: The following 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 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines' defensive positions, Sgt. BASILONE, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check

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2562-456: The following: Marine Corps Base Quantico Marine Corps Base Quantico (commonly abbreviated MCB Quantico ) is a United States Marine Corps installation located near Triangle, Virginia , covering nearly 55,148 acres (86.169 sq mi; 22,318 ha; 223.18 km ) of southern Prince William County, Virginia , northern Stafford County , and southeastern Fauquier County . Used primarily for training purposes, MCB Quantico

2623-442: The hazardous terrain to safety, despite heavy weapons fire from the Japanese. Basilone was killed as he moved along the edge of the airfield. Original reports indicated he was hit by Japanese mortar shrapnel, although author Hugh Ambrose , following his research for the book and miniseries The Pacific , suggested that a burst of small arms fire hit him in the groin, neck, and left arm. Basilone's actions helped Marines penetrate

2684-405: The overwhelming volume of hostile fire. In the forefront of the assault at all times, he pushed forward with dauntless courage and iron determination until, moving upon the edge of the airfield, he fell, instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell. Stouthearted and indomitable, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE, by his intrepid initiative, outstanding skill, and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of

2745-480: The poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which serves as the school district for the installation, operates two schools on the base. The 129,577-square-foot (12,038.1 m ) Crossroads Elementary School facility was scheduled to open in Spring 2016. It had a cost of $ 47 million. It has a two-story media center and

2806-829: The principal research and training facility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the principal training facility for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are also located on the base. In 2001, the base was designated as part of the Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places . This district includes 122 buildings, two landscapes,

2867-438: The rear, Basilone fought through hostile ground to resupply his heavy machine gunners with urgently needed supplies. Basilone moved an extra gun into position and maintained continual fire against the incoming Japanese forces. He then repaired and manned another machine gun, holding the defensive line until relief arrived. When the last of the ammunition ran out shortly before dawn on the second day, Basilone, using his pistol and

2928-434: The river and its inlets. Additionally, the area was a bustling stopping point on the north–south routes between New York and Florida. Early settlements and plantations rooted along the flatlands bordering the Potomac. The hills west of the river remained essentially uninhabited until the early 18th century. Prince William County was organized in 1731, when the "Quantico Road" was also opened. This road gave vital access from

2989-479: The same time, as a part of these schools, a football team was established at the base, playing as a college football team. Until its disbanding in 1972, the team played against various NCAA Division I college teams, as well as teams from other military installations. The first Marine Aircraft Wing was developed at Quantico, as well as the Corps' first helicopter squadron, Marine Helicopter Squadron One ( HMX-1 ),

3050-477: 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 gun crews, 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

3111-409: The side of the Japanese positions until he was directly on top of the blockhouse. He then attacked with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying the entire strong point and its defending garrison. He then fought his way toward Airfield Number 1 and aided a Marine tank that was trapped in an enemy mine field under intense mortar and artillery barrages. He guided the heavy vehicle over

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3172-480: 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 . Basilone's Navy Cross citation reads as follows: The President of

3233-682: The western part of the county to this area. By 1759, the road stretched across the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Shenandoah Valley . The first military presence at Quantico came during the American Revolutionary War , when the Quantico Creek village became a main naval base for the Commonwealth of Virginia's 72-vessel fleet on which many state militia served. The land was first visited by

3294-570: Was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. Including the Medal of Honor, he has received many honors, including having base streets, military facilities, and two United States Navy destroyers named in his honor. Basilone was born in his Italian American parents' home on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York . He

3355-403: Was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 158.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 196.1 males. The median income for a household in the CDP was $ 41,429, and the median income for a family was $ 41,288. Males had a median income of $ 24,478 versus $ 20,676 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $ 14,563. About 5.5% of families and 5.7% of the population were below

3416-608: Was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign , and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima . He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II . He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 3, 1940, after serving three years in

3477-454: Was approved, Basilone was assigned to "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment , 5th Marine Division . On February 19, 1945, the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima , he was serving as a machine gun section leader on Red Beach II. While the Marines landed, the Japanese concentrated their fire at the incoming Marines from heavily fortified blockhouses staged throughout the island. With his unit pinned down, Basilone made his way around

3538-450: Was built in 1920 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. By 1920, the Marine Corps schools were founded, as Colonel Smedley Butler put it, "to make this post and the whole Marine Corps a great university". These schools eventually developed into today's Marine Corps University . Virtually all Marine officers receive their basic training here, as well as enlisted technicians from many different disciplines. Around

3599-453: Was held up by the concentrated fire of a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Gunnery Sergeant BASILONE boldly defied the smashing bombardment of heavy caliber fire to work his way around the flank and up to a position directly on top of the blockhouse and then, attacking with grenades and demolitions, single handedly destroyed the entire hostile strong point and its defending garrison. Consistently daring and aggressive as he fought his way over

3660-577: Was suffering many financial difficulties. Around the same time, Major General George Barnett , then Commandant of the Marine Corps , sent a board to find possible sites for a new Marine Corps base in the Washington, D.C., vicinity . In 1917, Marine Barracks, Quantico was established on the land currently occupied by today's base. Marine Barracks personnel consisted of 91 enlisted men and four officers . Thousands of Marines were trained here during World War I . The Commanding General's Quarters

3721-656: Was the sixth of ten children. His five older siblings were born in Raritan, New Jersey , before the family moved to Buffalo where John was born; they returned to Raritan in 1918. His father, Salvatore Basilone, emigrated from Colle Sannita , in the province of Benevento , Italy, and settled in Raritan. Basilone's mother, Theadora Bencivenga, was born in 1889 and grew up in Manville, New Jersey , but her parents, Carlo and Catrina, also came from Benevento. Basilone's parents met at

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