In November 2003, the Little Italy Association dedicated a permanent public space to honor GySgt John Basilone and the “boys that never came home” from all of the wars of the 20th century. Since the time of the dedication, the Piazza Basilone has been used as a gathering space for families, veterans, special events and much more. One of the very few spaces honoring GySgt Basilone, the Piazza Basil
one stands as a permanent mark in time and space to his heroism and the accolades that he received while servicing this Country. GySgt JOHN BASILONE
GySgt John Basilone was a United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II. He was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He served three years in the United States Army with duty in the Philippines before joining the Marine Corps in 1940. After attending training, Basilone deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, the Solomon Islands and eventually to Guadalcanal where he held off 3,000 Japanese troops after his 15-member unit was reduced to two other men. He was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, after which he was posthumously honored with the Navy Cross. He has received many honors including being the namesake for streets, military locations and a United States Navy destroyer.
“THE BOYS OF LITTLE ITALY THAT NEVER CAME HOME”
Sgt Jack Balisteri
US Army, WWII
1923-1944
BM2 Anthony Ballatore
US Navy, WWII
1918-1942
Pvt 1st Class Frank Birrittieri
US Army, WWII
1925-1945
Pvt Vito Busalacchi
US Army, WWII
1919-1945
MMFN Jesus “Chuey” Contreras
US Navy, WWII
1917-1942
MM3 Joe Cordileone
US Navy, WWII
1921-1942
Pvt Salvatore Corona
US Army, WWII
1924-1945
Pvt Paul Garcia
US Army, Korea
1930-1951
SN 2nd Class Roy Gonzales
US Navy, WWII
1924-1942
SPEC 4 Frank Pecoraro
US Army, Vietnam
1952-1970
SN 1st Class Charles Piro
US Navy, WWII
1924-1942
Officer Peter Quinci, P47 Pilot
US Airforce, WWII
1921-1944
THE FLYING FLAGS
There are four countries flags flying at the Piazza Basilone; the American flag, the Italian flag, the Portuguese flag and the Mexican flag. These flags honor and represent the national origin of the “boys that never came home.”
SPECIAL HONOR
During the rededication and 10th Anniversary of the Piazza Basilone, the Little Italy Association Board of Directors’ honored Silver Star Recipient PFC Joe B. Cordileone for his courage and heroism on Hill 881, First Battle of Khe Sanh. The Board permanently placed a plaque at the Piazza in his honor for his service.
