John Basilone

John Basilone

Military (1916-45)

John Basilone almost single-handedly preserved the Allied Forces’ foothold onGuadalcanal during World War II. While defending a key airstrip, the Marinegunnery sergeant was everywhere at once, manning a machine gun, repairingweapons, lugging ammunition,directing fire and rallying the troops. Basilonereceived a Medal of Honor and a hero’s welcome back home, but after a shortstint hawking war bonds, he returned to the fray, earning the Navy Cross after heperished during the assault on Iwo Jima. (Provided by Fra Noi/Written by PaulBasile)For more geniuses, go to https://www.jccia.com/genius