BATH, Maine - The christening of a Navy destroyer on Saturday highlighted the sacrifices of two generations — the ship’s namesake killed in World War II and another Marine who died more than 60 years later.The future USS Basilone bears the name of a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor before his death on Iwo Jima.Breaking a bottle on the ship's bow for good luck was a woman who lost her brother in an ambush in Fallujah, Iraq.The legacy and sacrifice of such Marines are never forgotten, Sgt.
Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black told a crowd of 2,000 gathered next to the warship at Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works in Maine.Gunnery Sgt.
John Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism while defending Henderson Field against a fierce assault by a 3,000-strong Japanese force during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.The New Jersey resident returned home to a hero’s welcome and a parade.