John Basilone, a decorated American war hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor, died on February 19, 1945 at the age of 28. Born in Buffalo, New York in 1916, he would join the U.S. Marine Corps after working as a truck driver during the Great Depression. John was an exemplary Marine, and achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and was soon assigned to the 1st Battalion. It was at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands that his bravery and leadership began to earn him praise. He earned the Medal of Honor for leading a group of 15 Marines in repulsing a strong enemy attack of over 2,500 Japanese troops. After receiving the nation's highest military award and being promoted to Staff Sergeant, he re-enlisted for the war effort. During the Battle of Iwo Jima he served as a machine gun section leader, with his men holding back an assault from a large force of Japanese troops. He was killed by an enemy mortar while attempting to lead a rescue mission. John's bravery and service earned him not only the Medal of Honor but also the Navy Cross and Purple heart. He remains one of the most highly decorated Marines in U.S. military history.