SOMERSET COUNTY — Fresh off a portrayal in the HBO miniseries, "The Pacific," World War II hero John Basilone might be featured next in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
The U.S. Marine, a Medal of Honor recipient, is a nominee for the hall’s 2011 class.
Gunnery Sgt. Basilone fought at Guadalcanal and was killed in action at Iwo Jima. He was the only enlisted Marine during World War II to receive the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and the Purple Heart.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to a great American whose sacrifices should never be forgotten,” Somerset County Freeholder Director Jack Ciattarelli said of the hero who grew up in Raritan.
Other nominees for the hall of fame include former U.S. President Grover Cleveland, of Caldwell; actor John Travolta, of Englewood; and housewares icon Martha Stewart, a Nutley native.
The Somerset County freeholders are encouraging county residents to cast votes for Basilone on the Hall of Fame's website at www.njhalloffame.org. Votes must be made by Jan. 3.
The top choices in the online poll will be inducted next spring. The New Jersey Hall of Fame was created by state law in 2005 to honor citizens who have made “invaluable contributions to society and the world beyond,” according to its website.