Joseph R. Julian

Breaking through fortified enemy positions to clear the way.

Joseph Rodolph Julian graduated from Southbridge High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in January 1942. After recruit training at Parris Island, he served as a drill instructor. He later became a Marine Reserve platoon sergeant with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division. On Iwo Jima on March 9, 1945, he arranged supporting fire and attacked Japanese fortifications with explosives and grenades. He continued against cave positions before using a bazooka to destroy the remaining pillbox.

Julian was mortally wounded after helping open the way for his company’s advance. Born in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, on April 3, 1918, he was buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. His parents received his posthumous Medal of Honor in November 1945.

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.