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Rank and organization: Platoon Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth: 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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