Julian, Joseph R.
Joseph Rodolph Julian was born on 3 April 1918 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve from that state in January 1942. Julian become a Drill Instructor following basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. During the Iwo Jima campaign of February and March 1945, he was assigned to First Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, Fifth Division. On 9 March 1945, his unit's advance was threatened by Japanese machine-gun and mortar fire. Sergeant Julian placed his platoon in supporting positions, then made a series of attacks by himself and with another Marine, destroying enemy trench defenses, cave positions and pillboxes before he was mortally wounded. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life", he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Joseph R. Julian is buried at Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York.
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