Carmen Basilio was born on April 2, 1927, in Canastota, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at Buffalo, New York, on March 21, 1945, and completed basic training at Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in May 1945. Pvt Basilio next attended Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from May to September 1945, and because of the end of World War II, he was held in a replacement company from September to November 1945. He then deployed to Guam in the Marianas Islands in November 1945, and was held at a replacement battalion there until January 1946. PFC Basilio served as a guard with the Military Police Battalion on Guam from January to May 1946, followed by service with B Company and then Headquarters Company, Marine Barracks, Guam from June 1946 to February 1947. His next assignment was with the Marine Barracks on Oahu, Hawaii, from February to August 1947, followed by service with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune from September to November 1947. Corporal Basilio was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps at Marine Barracks, New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, on November 22, 1947, and then served with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from November 23, 1947, until his honorable discharge due to draw down of forces on December 10, 1947. After leaving active duty he became a professional boxer in 1948, was the World Welterweight Champion from 1955 to 1957, and was the World Middleweight Champion from 1957 to 1958. Basilio retired from professional boxing in 1961, and died on November 7, 2012. He was buried at Saint Agatha Cemetery in Canastota, New York.