Episode 75: Veterans Day – John Basilone

💍✨ “I nodded — and she might’ve nodded or not — but she wasn’t falling all over herself to get to know me. I liked this girl. She was tough.”

While working at Camp Pendleton, Lena Riggi wasn’t just another face in the crowd. Even as other women were starstruck by the famous war hero, she saw John Basilone for who he truly was — not a legend, but a man.

Their love story began quietly, built on respect, strength, and devotion — and it became one of the most moving romances of World War II. 🇺🇸❤️

🎙️ Listen to Episode 75: Veterans Day – John Basilone on the Italian American Stories Podcast.