Marines of the Quantico Marine Corps Band wait to begin

Marines of the Quantico Marine Corps Band wait to begin marching in the annual John Basilone Parade in Raritan, N.J., Sept. 26. More than 150 units marched in the parade and city officials estimate 10,000 people came to the small town in New Jersey to honor John and his heroism. Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on Guadalcanal and then was brought home to help sell war bonds. He requested to return to the Pacific and was killed Feb. 19, 1945. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his last actions giving him the the two highest heroism decorations.