Basilone Statute Plaque Replaced to Reflect Correct Medal of Honor

RARITAN, NJ - A new plaque featuring the Navy/Marine Medal of Honor was unveiled July 15 at the Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone statue, honoring the World War II hero.

The ceremony drew veterans, officials and community members to honor Basilone’s valor and legacy.

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Councilman Adam Armahizer said that, in February 2024, he noticed that the statue had the wrong Medal of Honor on it. There are three variants, he said, the Army MOH, the Naval MOH and the Air Force MOH.

The one that had been on the statue, Armahizer said, was the Army Medal of Honor, but Basilone was awarded the Naval Medal of Honor for his service in the United States Marine Corps.

“After 78 years since the statue was erected, we are finally giving Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone the medal he actually received, wore and deserves,” Armahizer said.

Basilone, of Raritan, received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.

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The plaque was donated and installed by Jim Gano, of Crown Trophy of Flemington, and the Basilone Memorial Foundation organized the unveiling, with Chaplin Larry Coyne offering a blessing over the statute.

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