Julian Lee Harwell

Private 1st Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 13579 (January 18, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Julian L. Harwell (MCSN: 417950), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan Island, Marianas Group on 1 July 1944.
When the enemy counter attacked with powerful mortar, rifle and grenade fire forcing his advancing unit to withdraw after a furious assault, Private First Class Harwell courageously continued his advance alone and, reaching a point of vantage, engaged the oncoming Japanese with rifle fire and held them off until his own platoon had reached a safe position.
Mortally wounded while carrying out his voluntary mission, Private First Class Harwell, by his resolute initiative and aggressive determination in the face of almost certain death, contributed materially to the safety of his unit during a crucial period in the fierce hostilities and his unfaltering spirit of self-sacrifice was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.