Fund the recognization of Sergeant John Basilone

We are asking for your support as we aim to honor the legacy of Buffalo-born medal of honor recipient Sergeant John Basilone.

ABOUT THE BUFFALO MEDAL OF HONOR PARK INITIATIVE

Buffalo Medal of Honor Park would re-dedicate the Columbus Park site to honor our U.S. Veterans and the legacy of Sergeant John Basilone. Basilone received the Medal of Honor in 1942 for his courage and bravery during World War II. Basilone came from an Italian-American family, so honoring his heroism is the perfect path toward highlighting patriotism in a time when we need it most. Learn more at buffalomedalofhonorpark.com and sign the online petition at http://chng.it/XpbPcD2z2d.

ABOUT SGT. JOHN BASILONE USMC

Sergeant John “Manila John” Basilone, USMC, was born in Buffalo, NY, in 1916. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest tribute to valor, for his unparalleled exploits of bravery during the Battle of Guadalcanal in WWII. On October 24, 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field, Basilone’s unit was assaulted by over 3,000 soldiers from the Japanese Sendai Division. He commanded two sections of machine guns which fought for two days until only himself and two other Marines were left standing.

Basilone’s courageous efforts led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor in 1942. After a brief stint stateside, he decided that instead of spending the rest of the conflict selling war bonds, he would return to combat in order to be with his boys. After further acts of incredible bravery during the Battle of Iwo Jima, he died at the age of 28 while leading a stranded Marine tank to safety through a minefield. He received America’s next-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, posthumously for his heroism on Iwo Jima. Read his full bio here: http://buffalomedalofhonorpark.com/sgt-john-basilone/.