John Basilone Selling War Bonds

This historical footage, from the National Archives, depicts Sgt. John Basilone with New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia.  In the days before television, people saw newsreels (and war updates) at movie theaters.  In this clip, Basilone and La Guardia are creating such a piece.

 

Always hesitant to talk about himself, Basilone shares the credit of his heroic deeds at Guadalcanal (which won him a Medal of Honor) with other Marines.  Move the video forward, to 0:44, 2:11 and 2:40, to see close-ups of him.

 

The clip includes several "takes."  This was often necessary in the days before politicians relied on teleprompters to help them "get it right the first time."