Lance Bill To Rename Raritan Post Office For John Basilone

RARITAN, NJ — Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) is looking to rename the U.S. Post Office at 30 East Street in Raritan, New Jersey, as the "Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Post Office."

Lance announced the bill, H.R. 2815, Thursday at the U.S. House of Representatives following a speech recounting the many honors Basilone earned in service to the country. Lance asked the House to support his measure so as to inspire future service in Basilone’s tradition.

“Gunnery Sergeant Basilone is an exemplar of brave service in our Armed Forces and a member of the greatest generation whose collective bravery and selflessness won World War II and liberated millions from oppression,” Lance told his colleagues on the House Floor. “In Congress, there are many actions we take to honor and remember those who serve our Nation. These commendations matter. Younger generations ask whose name is inscribed in monuments, at flag posts or on federal properties. And in retelling these stories we inspire young Americans to appreciate the generations that came before in public service. And Gunnery Sergeant Basilone indeed has a tremendous story.”

Lance recounted Basilone's life from the moment he decided to first enlist n the Army and later his enlistment in the Marine Corps.

Lance recited the details of Operation Watchtower, where Basilone and his fellow Marines sought to regain territory in Guadalcanal in the Pacific Theater. And Lance recounted the specific citations that earned Basilone the Medal of Honor.

Lance also spoke of the tour of duty where Basilone lost his life and posthumously earned the Navy Cross.

“Gunnery Sergeant Basilone and his men stormed the shores of Iwo Jima with the first wave of Marines on February 19, 1945. The Japanese returned heavy fire. Gunnery Sergeant Basilone ran toward one of the blockhouses — the source of Japanese fire — and quickly destroyed it with grenades and demolitions. After this, he scrambled to rescue an American tank that was trapped in a minefield. But in a moment that will forever live on in our hearts, Gunnery Sergeant Basilone and a handful of his fellow Marines were then hit by heavy mortar fire. He died alongside the brave men who stepped forward to serve this country and the men who he wanted to return to battle to protect and defend.”

Basilone was the only Marine of World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

(Image via John Byers: Congressman Leonard Lance with Kim Van Note, Basilone’s niece and a leader in the Basilone Foundation.)

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