"I'm Staying with My Boys..." The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC

"I'm staying with my boys..." is a firsthand look inside the life of one of the greatest heroes of the Greatest Generation. Sgt. John Basilone was lauded by General Douglas MacArthur as "... a one man Army", awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Guadalcanal and celebrated by the nation. It was the turning point of the war and Basilone's foxhole was the site of the turning point in that battle. That was just the beginning of his legend. Distinctive among military biographies, the story is narrated by Sgt. Basilone himself allowing readers to experience the development of Johnny Basilone, the aimless youth, into Gunnery Sergeant "Manila John" Basilone, the clear-eyed warrior, undefeated light-heavyweight boxer and nationally revered war hero. This publication is the only family authorized biography and features many never before published family photographs. Basilone, along with his first commanding officer in actual combat, Chesty Puller, are arguably the two greatest icons in Marine Corps history. The story of "Manila John" is part of every Marines boot camp education. The story is woven with surprising personal details. He clearly foresaw his future three separate times. Each time his visions came to pass--including the last--foretelling his death. But his place was with "... my boys", so he ignored the vision and returned to battle at Iwo Jima. Manila John was killed on the beach defending his boys and earned the Navy Cross for his bravery - an emotional true story.Jim Proser is the author of '"I'm Staying with My Boys..." The Heroic Life of Sgt. John Basilone, USMC' with ISBN 9780975546109 and ISBN 0975546104.