Emile Lejeune

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Emile Lejeune
Born1853
France
DiedJuly 10, 1916(1916-07-10) (aged 62–63) [1]
Place of burial
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankSeaman
UnitUSS Plymouth
AwardsMedal of Honor

Emile Lejeune (1853–1916)[1] was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

A native of France, Lejeune joined the U.S. Navy from New York.[2] By June 6, 1876, he was serving as a seaman on USS Plymouth commanded by Captain Edward Barrett. On that day, he and other crewmen took Plymouth's steam-powered launch to shore at Port Royal, South Carolina. While there, Lejeune rescued a civilian who had fallen off the Port Royal wharf. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, proposed by Edward Barrett three days later, on June 9.[3]

Lejeune's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Plymouth, Lejeune displayed gallant conduct in rescuing a citizen from drowning at Port Royal, S.C., 6 June 1876.[2]

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References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Emile Lejeune at Find a Grave
  2. ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  3. ^ Robeson, George M.; Edward Barrett (June 9, 1876). "General Order, No. 212". General Orders and Circulars Issued by the Navy Department (1863–1887). Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office: 148–9. Retrieved August 10, 2010.

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