Bill > AR24

Introduced Session

This resolution commemorates the christening of the USS John Basilone and honors the sacrifice the New Jersey native John Basilone made in World War II. This resolution details the many courageous acts that John Basilone made during World War II and tells the story of his life before the war. John Basilone was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to be awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He won the Medal of Honor through his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After his time in the Pacific theater, the New Jersey native toured the country selling war bonds. Eventually, he was ready to return to the warfront and after being denied by his superiors a couple of times, his request was granted. He was sent back to the Pacific to the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he died on the first day of the conflict. The day that he died, he destroyed an enemy blockhouse and guided a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions. The naming of the USS John Basilone adds to the list of his namesake honors, including another destroyer, the USS Basilone, roads, military locations, and a bridge in New Jersey. Although born in New York, John Basilone spent his childhood with his family in Raritan Borough, New Jersey. He lived in Raritan Borough from the age of 2 to 18, when he joined the United States Army. To honor his memory, New Jersey named a bridge on the New Jersey Turnpike that spans the Raritan River, the Basilone Memorial Bridge. New Jersey is proud to be the home to American hero, John Basilone, and is proud to recognize him again, by commemorating the christening of the USS John Basilone.

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Roy Freiman (D)*,  Michele Matsikoudis (R)*,  Erik Peterson (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document