For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 24 and 25, 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marine's defensive positions, Sergeant Basilone, in charge of two sections of heavy machine guns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sergeant Basilone's sections, with its gun crews, was put out of action, leaving only two 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 the supply lines cut off, Sergeant 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 a 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 United States Naval Service.

Franklin D. Roosevelt
President of the United States

Footnote: Sergeant John "Manila John" Basilone was one of the first Marines to be awarded the Medal of Honor of World War 2. Anyone that has been stationed at or visited the Marine Base, Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California has traveled on the road named for him. Basilone Road.
There are many other things that could be noted on this web page, but the author suggests to those interested, request and read the booklet circulated by UNICO NATIONAL Somerville Chapter at P.O. Box 901, Somerville, NJ 08876.
It is a booklet  that covers every aspect of Manila John's actions resulting in the awarding Sergeant Basilone the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as a insight to the man himself.

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