Emile Lejeune Explained

Emile Lejeune
Birth Date:1853
Birth Place:France
Placeofburial:South Portland, Maine
Placeofburial Label:Place of burial
Allegiance:United States of America
Branch:United States Navy
Rank:Seaman
Awards:Medal of Honor

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.

A native of France, Lejeune joined the U.S. Navy from New York. By June 6, 1876, he was serving as a seaman on commanded by Captain Edward Barrett. On that day, he and other crewmen took Plymouths 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.

See also