John Basilone: The only enlisted WWII Marine with both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross

The Congressional Medal of Honor winner who perished on Iwo Jima - and whose heroism is resurrected in 'The Pacific' series - is recalled by a World War II comrade. William Lansford recalls his friendship with Marine gunnery sergeant John Basilone and his last day. --- Serving with Basilone was a golden period of the war for me. He never barked like the other gunnery sergeants but ruled like a older brother. Basilone did more than train the men. He taught the meaning of esprit de corps. On Iwo Jima Basilone risked his life repeatedly, it seemed nothing could touch him, until Japanese mortar scored a direct hit.

John Basilone's last battle - latimes.com