US Marine Corps PSgt Joseph Julian: WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a P/Sgt. Serving with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 9 March 1945. Determined to force a breakthrough when Japanese troops occupying trenches and fortified positions on the left front laid down a terrific machine-gun and mortar barrage in a desperate effort to halt his company's advance, P/Sgt. Julian quickly established his platoon's guns in strategic supporting positions, and then, acting on his own initiative, fearlessly moved forward to execute a one-man assault on the nearest pillbox. Advancing alone, he hurled deadly demolitions and white phosphorus grenades into the emplacement, killing two of the enemy and driving the remaining five out into the adjoining trench system. Seizing a discarded rifle, he jumped into the trench and dispatched the five before they could make an escape. Intent on wiping out all resistance, he obtained more explosives and, accompanied by another marine, again charged the hostile fortifications and knocked out two more cave positions. Immediately thereafter, he launched a bazooka attack unassisted, firing four rounds into the one remaining pillbox and completely destroying it before he fell, mortally wounded by a vicious burst of enemy fire. Stouthearted and indomitable, P/Sgt. Julian consistently disregarded all personal danger and, by his bold decision, daring tactics, and relentless fighting spirit during a critical phase of the battle, contributed materially to the continued advance of his company and to the success of his division's operations in the sustained drive toward the conquest of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His outstanding valor and unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter conflict sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Please view our other videos to learn about our Medal of Honor heroes.

Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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[donnalayton]

Thank you for your service, sir. God bless you. RIP, Sir.

[thomascorrea]

True Badass. Thank you Sir for your service and RIP

[brianrorer]

We cannot thank you enough, rest in peace brother!!!

[johnlansing]

As my uncle used to say " Of course he did, he's a Marine !" . Thank you for your service Sir .

[PatrioticEagle]

PSgt. Joseph R. Julian, you are a True American Hero. The only thing is, we couldn't have Thanked You enough for all of the Courage, Faith, Strength & Sacrifices you've shown in all you did for our Beautiful Country so we can have our FREEDOM. After all, our FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. It's all Thanks to those that laid down their lives while serving our Country so we can have our FREEDOM. That goes to show just how much they love our Beautiful Country & wants to protect her for us all. Once A Marine, Always A Marine!! All Gave Some, Some Gave All!! Semper Fidelis!!🇺🇸🦅🎖️❤️

[vijaymehra]

Men like this win wars, thank you Sir.

[BarbaraSquire]

A true hero. So sorry for you and your families loss of life. We thank you so much for keeping us free

[jefsantamonica]

He now rests in Honor from a grateful nation.

[XC]

The good .
The brave .
They always sacrifice the most .

[Matteo-ksfn]

A war devil behind angel smile.
Lay down your arms, soldier. Time to rest. Salute.

[DavidMartinez-vgju]

No matter which war. Theris someone w/courage.

[honda]

May your name and memory live on in USMC history and in our hearts and minds. You were a true American patriot that gave all you had for your beloved nation. I hope those left behind found comfort in the knowledge of your unwavering bravery and duty on our behalf. You will live forever as a true American hero.🇺🇸

[bobroberson]

I SALUTE YOU SGT JULIAN, A BRAVE AMERICAN PATRIOT,
GOD REST HIS SOUL, 🙏

[busterdog]

Feb 19th was D-Day there. That's a long time from D-Day to this action and there's probably so much more to it as well.

[richardmcgeehan]

LEST WE FORGET HAND SALUTE FOR ALL WHO SERVED IN THE WAR, BOTH AMERICAN AND OUR ALLIES.

[richardkeilig]

We must honor their sacrifices by saving this nation.

[santiagocantuborjas]

🫡 Thank you for your service Sir and your bravery, courage, and dedication to win the battle. Again thank you for your service Sir 🫡

[jacknakash]

Semper Fidelis Marine
This is what Marines like this do "best" MMD=Marine's Make Do
.

[keithnorrod]

The Greatest Generation !!
May God Bless and Keep Him Always 🙏
SEMPER FI MARINE !!

[chubbygrandmom]

He is now serving in the Arms of God..