John Basilone was the only enlisted Marine in World War II to earn both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, the nation's two highest military honors for bravery in battle. General Douglas MacArthur called him "a one-man army" for his valor in a battle with a Japanese regiment during the Battle of Guadalcanal on October 24-25, 1942. During a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese, Sgt. Basilone was left with only two of his men. Under continual fire, he held off the enemy until replacements arrived. Later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. For his bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor and sent back to the U.S., where he helped raise more than $1 million in war bonds. He was offered a desk job in Washington, D.C. but preferred to return to his company. Shortly after returning to the Pacific war zone, Sgt. Basilone was killed during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. He was 29 years old. For his bravery in this battle, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. He also received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Italian Americans have campaigned for a Basilone stamp for nearly 15 years and OSIA was a vital force in helping to obtain the commemorative stamp.  Only one more reason to be proud of being a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America!