USS John Basilone Flies New Battle Flag Honoring Marine Namesake

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 — The soon-to-be-commissioned USS John Basilone, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is flying a newly-designed battle flag that pays tribute to its decorated Marine namesake, Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, Military.com reports.

The destroyer is named in honor of Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, the only enlisted Marine to receive both the Medal of Honor and a Navy Cross during World War II.

Basilone earned these awards for his actions during the Guadalcanal campaign and the Battle of Iwo Jima, respectively, which were described by the Navy as displaying “extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry.”

The ship’s new battle flag features elements derived from the destroyer’s crest and symbols associated with Basilone’s military service.

Central to the design is a blue diamond containing a configuration of stars in the Southern Cross shape, a direct reference to the insignia of the 1st Marine Division, the unit in which Basilone served, according to descriptions provided by the Navy. Two crossed Browning M1917 machine guns, representing Basilone’s role as a machine gunner, are also displayed within the diamond.

The diamond sits against a crimson field and is bordered by two golden palm branches, symbolizing the vegetation of Guadalcanal, where Basilone’s defense of Henderson Field became a defining moment of his career. The Navy noted that the elements of the flag were designed to honor Basilone’s legacy while inspiring the ship’s crew.

Alongside these symbols, the words “Selfless Warriors,” “Take a Stand,” and “Move Forward” are inscribed, characterizing the values Basilone exemplified. According to the Navy, these words are intended to serve as a “charge” to future sailors to uphold Basilone’s legacy of dedication and bravery.

Image: Guns.com

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