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]
^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.