Who is Lena Mae Riggi and What Inspires Her?

Lena mae riggi—later known as Lena Mae Riggi Basilone—was a remarkable woman whose strength, service, and love story continue to inspire today.

Early Life & Background

• Born March 7, 1913 in Portland, Oregon, to Italian immigrant parents Find A Grave+13Women Marines Association+13Facebook+13.

• Left home to attend business school, demonstrating early independence and ambition Find A Grave.

Service in the Marine Corps

• Enlisted in Women’s Marine Corps Reserve during World War II.

• Served at Camp Pendleton as a field cook, ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant 1stmardiv.marines.mil+9Women Marines Association+9History of Sorts+9.

• One of the few women in uniform of that era, she embodied resilience and dedication.

Meeting John Basilone

• John Basilone, a decorated Marine (Congressional Medal of Honor, Navy Cross), met Lena at the Camp Pendleton chow line Women Marines Association+131stmardiv.marines.mil+13Women Marines Association+13.

• Despite his celebrity status, Lena remained unimpressed and independent—just what he admired in her Screen Rant+1.

Love & Marriage

• They quickly fell in love. John later said he wanted “a few days … to know what it was like to be married” thepacific.fandom.com+31stmardiv.marines.mil+3America Magazine+3.

• They married on July 10, 1944 at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church near Camp Pendleton 1stmardiv.marines.mil+2America Magazine+2.

Tragedy & Loss

• Less than seven months later, John was killed in action at Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945 America Magazine+9Women Marines Association+9Navy Log+9.

• Lena learned of his death via telegram on her 32nd birthday History of Sorts+4Women Marines Association+4Navy Log+4.

Life After John

• Never remarried and kept John’s wedding ring for life—even at her passing in June 1999, she still wore it America Magazine+4Geni+4Blinkist+4.

• Dedicated decades to service: volunteer work at the Women’s Marine Association, Veterans Auxiliary, and Long Beach VA Hospital Women Marines Association+2Women Marines Association+2.

• Worked for an electric company and lived in Lakewood, California for over 50 years History of Sorts+3Women Marines Association+3Women Marines Association+3.

Legacy & Inspirations

• Served as ship sponsor during the christening of the USS Basilone, honoring John’s legacy Women Marines Association+3Women Marines Association+3thepacific.fandom.com+3.

• Refused an offer to be buried beside John at Arlington Cemetery, saying she “didn’t want to bother anyone” Women Marines Association+2Women Marines Association+2.

• A highway near Camp Pendleton was named the Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Highway shortly after her passing Navy Log+4Women Marines Association+4Women Marines Association+4.

What Inspires Us Most

1. Courage in Uniform
   Lena broke gender expectations in wartime by serving as a Marine sergeant—a path few women took.

2. Unwavering Love
   Her devotion to John and refusal to remarry highlight a love that transcended time.

3. Lifetime of Service
   She committed decades to volunteerism and community support, serving veterans and honoring memory.

4. Strength & Humility
   Rejecting public recognition for her own burial, she remained humble, respectful, and service-minded.

Summary Table

Aspect	Highlight
Birth & Childhood	Born 1913 in Oregon to Italian immigrants, attended business school
Military Service	Served in USMC Women’s Reserve as a field cook, reached Sergeant
Relationship	Married John Basilone in 1944 after meeting in Camp Pendleton chow line
Enduring Love	John died in 1945; Lena never remarried and wore his ring until her death
Postwar Life	Lived in California, volunteered with veterans for decades
Legacy	Christened USS Basilone; highway named in his honor; remembered for service

FAQ about Lena Mae Riggi

1. Was Lena Mae Riggi a Marine?

Yes—she served as a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during WWII while stationed at Camp Pendleton Women Marines Association+1Navy Logtransition.ondostate.gov.ng+3Find A Grave+3Screen Rant+3Facebook+9Women Marines Association+9Women Marines Association+9.

2. How did John and Lena meet?

They met at a Camp Pendleton chow hall. John was impressed by her no-nonsense attitude, while Lena initially dismissed his fame—but eventually warmed to his sincerity 1stmardiv.marines.milNavy Log.

3. Did Lena and John have children?

No, they did not have any children. Their marriage lasted only seven months before John’s death 1stmardiv.marines.milAmerica Magazine.

4. Did Lena ever remarry?

She remained unmarried for the rest of her life and remained devoted to John’s memory, symbolized by always wearing his wedding ring GeniScreen Rant.

5. What did Lena do after the war?

She worked for an electric company, volunteered extensively with veteran organizations, and lived in Lakewood, California, for over fifty years Women Marines AssociationHistory of Sorts.

6. How is her legacy preserved?

Lena christened USS Basilone, refused burial at Arlington out of modesty, and after her death a stretch of freeway near Camp Pendleton was named in honor of John—and indirectly remembering her devotion as well Women Marines AssociationHistory of Sorts.

Inspiration in Context

Lena mae riggi Basilone’s life is a testament to service, strength, and steadfast love. From enlisting in uniform to caring for veterans and preserving her husband’s memory, she shows us how a seemingly quiet life can carry deep impact. Whether you’re inspired by military history, stories of loyalty, or sheer resilience—her story resonates across generations.

Lena proved that exemplary service doesn’t end on the battlefield—and sometimes, the greatest love stories carry out in years of quiet commitment.