Joseph Rudolph Julian | |
---|---|
Joseph R. Julian, Medal of Honor recipient |
|
Born | April 3, 1918 Sturbridge, Massachusetts |
Died | March 9, 1945 KIA at Iwo Jima |
(aged 26)
Place of burial | Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1942-1945 |
Rank | Sergeant |
Unit | 1st Battalion, 27th Marines |
Battles/wars | World War II *Battle of Iwo Jima |
Awards | Medal of Honor (1945) |
Platoon Sergeant Joseph Rudolph Julian (April 3, 1918-March 9, 1945) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the United States' highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for his heroism and sacrifice of life in 1945 in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
Contents |
Joseph Rudolph Julian was born in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on April 3, 1918. He graduated from high school in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and in January 1942, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Following basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he became a Drill Instructor, and, later, was assigned to the 5th Marine Division. He was killed in action on Iwo Jima on March 9, 1945, following a one-man assault on enemy-occupied trenches and fortified positions. The Medal of Honor was awarded him posthumously for heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
The Medal and citation were presented to his parents by the Secretary of the Navy on November 15, 1945. Following the war, Sgt Julian's remains were reinterred at Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York, at the request of his parents.