Julius Spear Turrill (1876–1943) was an American Marine who served in World War One.
Julius Spear Turrill | |
|---|---|
 Julius Spear Turrill | |
| Born | 1876 United States |
| Died | 1943 United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service |  United States Marine Corps
 Gendarmerie of Haiti |
| Years of service | 1899-1932 |
| Rank | Colonel (USMC)
|
| Commands | Portsmouth Naval Prison (1910)[1]
|
| Known for | Attack on Hill 142 (Battle of Belleau Wood) |
| Wars | |
| Awards | |
Biography
editTurrill was born on 17 June 1876, in Shelburne, Vermont to Clayton Royal Turrill and Alice E. Spear.
He married Mary Louise English on 3 July 1913, in Chicago.[2][better source needed]
He died on 19 September 1943, in Shelburne at the age of 67, and was buried in Shoreham, Vermont.[3]
Career
editIn his youth, he worked on a farm.
Military career
editHe was stationed at Cavite in the Philippines in 1903.[4]
He participated in the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918.
Awards and honours
editHe received the Navy Cross for his service during the World War One.[5]
He also received the Distinguished Service Cross in 1919. His award citation reads:[5]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Julius Spear Turrill (MCSN: 0-1000), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, 6 June 1918. Colonel Turrill displayed extraordinary heroism and set a splendid example in fearlessly leading his command under heavy fire against superior odds. Because of his bravery and initiative every possible advantage in the attack was obtained.
He also had at multiple Silver Star Citations, The Philippine Campaign Medal, China Relief Expedition Medal, Mexican Service Medal, WWI Victory Medal with five campaign stars, and Army of Occupation of Germany Medal. His foreign awards include the French Fourragère in the colors of the Croix de Guerre, Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour, French Croix de Guerre with Bronze star and two palms, and the Haitian National Order of Honour and Merit.
References
edit- ^ a b Kramer, Katy (2016). Portsmouth Naval Prison. United States: Arcadia Publishing. p. 50. ISBN 9781467116671.
- ^ Julius Spear Turrill familysearch.org
- ^ Obituary in Army and Navy Journal Sep 25, 1943, page 116
- ^ "Official Register of the United States". 1903.
- ^ a b "Julius Spear Turrill". The Hall of Valour Project.