Editing Joseph R Julian

{{Vet
| name = Joseph R. Julian
| birth_date = April 3, 1918
| birth_place = Sturbridge, Massachusetts
| death_date = March 9, 1945
| death_place = Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
| status = KIA
| allegiance = United States
| branch = United States Marine Corps Reserve
| serviceyears = 1942–1945
| rank = Platoon Sergeant
| unit = 1st Battalion, 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division
| battles = Battle of Iwo Jima
| awards = Medal of Honor, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart
}}

'''Joseph Rudolph Julian''' (April 3, 1918 – March 9, 1945) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the '''[[Medal of Honor]]''', the United States' highest decoration for valor, for his actions during the [[Battle of Iwo Jima]].

Born in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Julian graduated from Southbridge High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in January 1942. After training at Parris Island he served as a drill instructor before joining the 5th Marine Division.

== Medal of Honor ==
On March 9, 1945, Julian carried out a series of one-man assaults on Japanese pillboxes and cave positions, using grenades, a rifle, demolitions, and finally a bazooka, before being mortally wounded. The Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously and presented to his parents on November 15, 1945. He was later reinterred at Long Island National Cemetery, New York.

=== Citation ===
<blockquote>
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 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.
</blockquote>

[[Category:Medal of Honor recipients]]
[[Category:Battle of Iwo Jima]]