Emile Lejeune

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

This article is about the 1876 Medal of Honor recipient. For the former Commandant of the Marine Corps, see John A. Lejeune.
Emile Lejeune
Born1853
France
DiedJuly 10, 1916(1916-07-10) (aged 62–63)
Place of burial
South Portland, Maine
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Navy
RankSeaman
UnitUSS Plymouth
AwardsMedal of Honor

A native of France, Lejeune joined the U.S. Navy from New York. 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.

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.

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