Harry Kizirian

Harry Kizirian was an Armenian American member of the United States Marine Corps who served during World War II. Kizirian's service lasted from February 1944 to February 1946, during which he spent seventeen months overseas. Kizirian took part in the Battle of Okinawa, where he landed during the first assault wave while heading a Marine fire team. Having been awarded the Navy Cross, the Rhode Island Cross, the Bronze Star with Combat "V", and the Purple Heart twice, Kizirian is considered one of the most decorated marines of World War II. He is also the most decorated serviceman from Rhode Island. Kizirian, a first generation Armenian American, was born in his home on July 13, 1925, at 134 Chad Brown St. Providence, Rhode Island. He was the only son of Toros and Hripsime Kizirian, who were born in Goydun (Govdun), near Sivas, in the Ottoman Empire. Kizirian's mother came to the United States in the 1920s after losing her first husband and seven children during the Armenian genocide. His father was employed by the Rhode Island Tool Company and his mother was a housewife. Kizirian, who was active in sports, was offered a scholarship to LaSalle Academy. He declined the offer so that he could attend the local Mt. Pleasant High School and be closer to his friends. Kizirian became a top athlete in his class; he played on the football team for three years and became captain in his senior year. When Kizirian was 15 years old, his father died. Harry became responsible for the care of himself and his mother. To take care of the family's immediate needs, Kizirian worked at a meat packing plant unloading sides of beef from freight cars. He then got a temporary position at the Providence post office for two years while finishing high school. On February 23, 1944—the day after his graduation from high school—Kizirian enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was sent overseas on October 6, 1944, and was assigned to the 6th Marine Division. Kizirian joined the Marine Corps on February 23, 1944. He was sent overseas after training and assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Serving as a fire team leader, he participated in the invasion of Okinawa on April 1, 1945, landing with the first assault wave. On May 11, he charged an enemy machine gun position that had pinned down members of another unit of his platoon and forced the enemy to withdrawal so the other Marine unit could continue its advance on the enemy. Wounded during his attack on the enemy, he and his fire team joined up with the other Marine unit in its advance on the Japanese. Company E moved east the same day toward Shuri Ridge. On May 14, Company E attacked and seized the Japanese air strip, then stopped for a short rest. Kizirian's injuries on May 11 included shell fragments in his shoulders and arms. Despite his wounds he continued fighting. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and the Purple Heart Medal for his actions on May 11. After a month to recover from his wounds, Kizirian rejoined his unit, which was assigned to Sugar Loaf Hill. The Marines battled over one ridge after another toward NaHa, the capital city. On three separate occasions Kizirian was tossed in the air by Japanese artillery and mortar fire while he provided covering fire for other members of his unit, who were retreating down a slope. Kizirian's company moved to a burial ground where Japanese soldiers were hiding in holes dug in the nearby hillsides.