Legacy of a Hero: Sgt John Basilone

Legacy of a Hero is in its editing and post production stages. 

In order to make it to our deadline, we're asking for donations for the editing, polishing and promoting of our wonderful film.

A little about the project:

I am Diane Basilone Hawkins, niece of WWII war hero Sgt. John Basilone. Legacy of a Hero is a documentary film I have been working on, memorializing the life of Gunnery Sgt John Basilone and the men who fought by his side.

I have traveled to Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal to retrace the steps of the soldiers , sailors, airmen, coastguardsmen and Marines who fought and risked their lives in WWII for our freedom. Our foundation, The Sgt John Basilone Foundation, raises awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Funds from Legacy of a Hero will help support the foundation and it's cause. 
I am hoping that the film - a clip of which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyQel4ur1k
will bring more light to Sgt. John Basilone's story and how it can inspire veterans to find a sense of purpose after they have put their lives on the line for their country and inspire others to find purpose when their lives change direction. I believe that memorializing the life of Gunnery Sgt. Basilone may give the same hope and inspiration he gave during his life to the men who fought by his side. By following in John's footsteps, his battle fields - Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal - I have taken a journey of courage, fearlessness, and drive.

A report on the film, my journey through Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal and the concept behind it can be found at: http://www.news9.com/story/25840862/film-maker-visits-oklahoma-to-keep-legac


One of the most striking parts of my journey through Gunny Basilone's life has been the accounts from those who fought alongside him. His heroic nature was not only on the battlefield but in life - a big brother as well as a Sergeant . Perhaps it is better described by the veterans themselves - Eugene Iconetti's choice words at John's induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXSJmXGKdO4


Sgt. John Basilone remains a hero figure to many, resurrected in Spielberg/Hanks HBO Series - The Pacific https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SQqVEu135E
and it would be a shame not to use his story to reach out to others. I think he would want that.

I hope that this story can be motivational to others.