Name: Joseph Rodolph Julian
Rank: Platoon Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Born: 3 April 1918, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Accredited To: Massachusetts
Summary of Action
During the brutal fighting for Iwo Jima, Platoon Sergeant Joseph Rodolph Julian’s company was halted by intense Japanese machine-gun and mortar fire coming from trenches and heavily fortified positions.
Determined to break the deadlock, Julian quickly positioned his platoon’s guns to provide supporting fire.
Then he advanced alone.
Charging the nearest pillbox, he hurled demolition charges and white phosphorus grenades into the emplacement, killing two enemy soldiers and forcing five others to flee into a nearby trench.
Julian seized a discarded rifle and jumped directly into the trench after them.
Before the enemy could escape, he killed all five.
Still determined to destroy the remaining defenses, he obtained more explosives and, with another Marine, attacked two additional cave positions, knocking them out.
Moments later he continued the assault alone.
Taking up a bazooka, he fired four rounds into the final pillbox, completely destroying the position.
As the fortification collapsed, enemy fire struck him.
Platoon Sergeant Julian was mortally wounded.
His fearless assault shattered the enemy defenses and allowed his company to continue its advance across the island.
Through bold leadership, aggressive tactics, and total disregard for his own safety, he played a decisive role in the Marine advance during one of the fiercest battles of the Pacific War.
Medal of Honor Citation
JULIAN, JOSEPH RODOLPH
Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Born: 3 April 1918, Sturbridge, Mass.
Accredited to: Massachusetts.
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 machinegun 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 1-man assault on the nearest pillbox. Advancing alone, he hurled deadly demolition and white phosphorus grenades into the emplacement, killing 2 of the enemy and driving the remaining 5 out into the adjoining trench system. Seizing a discarded rifle, he jumped into the trench and dispatched the 5 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 2 more cave positions. Immediately thereafter, he launched a bazooka attack unassisted, firing 4 rounds into the 1 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.
Name: Joseph Rodolph Julian
