Sgt. Rudy Julian Monument - Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Posted by: BruceS
N 42° 06.513 W 072° 04.843
18T E 741367 N 4665953
Monument honoring Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Rudy Julian in front of the Sturbridge town hall.
Waymark Code: WM51BB
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 10/25/2008
Views: 11
Sgt. Rudy Julian was a Marine platoon sergeant who received the Medal of Honor
posthumously for his actions at Iwo Jima during World War II. The monument
is inscribed as follows:
This Monument
Erected
In Memory Of
Sgt. Rudy Julian
U.S.M.C.
Sgt. Julian Was
Awarded The
Medal Of Honor
Posthumously
For His Actions
On Iwo Jima
Dedicated May 24, 1986
The citation of Sgt Julian's Medal of Honor is:
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.