Who is John Basilone? - Turkey Day surf trip

Our annual Thanksgiving Day surf trip to San Onofre takes us south on the 5 freeway to the San Diego county line. The freeway exit on the way to favorite surf spots like Old Man's, Church's or Trails is Basilone - the northwest entrance to Camp Pendleton. Today I asked Brian and John if they knew who John Basilone was. This is tougher than the 'name that band' game they like to play by switching radio stations. Since neither one knew who John Basilone was, I took a minute to tell them that he was a Medal of Honor and Navy Cross recipient. He won the Medal of Honor in Guadalcanal in 1942 while serving in the Army. After being discharged, he grew restless and joined the Marines. He returned to action and was killed in action on Iwo Jima in 1945. For his heroic action on Iwo Jima he was awarded the Navy Cross. He is the only man to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. Much more here: http://www.ocregister.com/news/2004/basilone/
Brian wondering why John didn't wax the nose of the new Randy Gibbs' board. Does make you wonder where Annie picked up her "Karate Kid" surfing style (you'll have to go to the very first post on this blog to compare Brian and Annie's surfing styles).
John leaning into one of the nice waves of the day.
John goes right, Brian goes left. It's good they lined up in the right positions.
OK, so I didn't make the bell today. Before John came in and picked up the camera, I added a few seconds to my season total of about 45 seconds standing on a surfboard. Even if I can't keep up with the boys in the waves, it's a great Turkey Day tradition to get in the water and give it my best shot.