Introduction: A Marine from Providence
In the closing months of World War II, the Battle of Okinawa tested the courage of thousands of young Americans. Among them was Corporal Harry Kizirian, a Marine from Providence, Rhode Island, whose actions under fire became emblematic of selfless bravery. Barely older than a teenager when he landed with the first assault wave, Kizirian earned a place in history through decisive acts that saved lives and helped his unit press forward despite brutal resistance.
Enlistment and Deployment
Harry Kizirian enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on February 23, 1944, and was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division. Within a year, he was part of the massive amphibious assault on Okinawa that began on April 1, 1945. The operation was one of the largest and bloodiest of the Pacific campaign: Japanese defenders were well dug in across ridges, caves, and fortified positions, turning the island into a deadly maze for advancing forces.
Battlefield Valor: May 11 and June 11, 1945
Kizirian first distinguished himself on May 11, 1945, when his platoon came under intense machine-gun fire that pinned down a neighboring unit. Without orders and with complete disregard for his own safety, he led a counterattack across open ground. Charging forward with his fire team, he neutralized the enemy position, enabling the pinned Marines to withdraw or advance. Although wounded during this action, he refused evacuation and continued fighting, later joining the counteractions around Shuri Ridge.
On June 11, 1945, Corporal Kizirian performed the actions that would earn him the Navy Cross. Returning from a mission, he observed six stretcher bearers and a wounded Marine caught in the crossfire of a Japanese machine-gun nest. Recognizing that delay would likely cost lives, he attacked alone. Despite being struck repeatedly — bullets tearing through his legs and abdomen — he pressed on. Crawling and firing, he advanced until the enemy guns were silenced. His actions rescued wounded comrades and materially influenced the outcome of the engagement.
Rather than seek glory, Kizirian moved forward to protect the men beside him — courage as duty, not theater.
Awards and Recognition
For his extraordinary heroism on Okinawa, Corporal Kizirian received the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration for valor awarded to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. By the time he was discharged in February 1946, he had accumulated a remarkable array of honors. His decorations included:
- Navy Cross
- Bronze Star with Combat “V”
- Purple Heart with Gold Star
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Unit Commendation
- China Service Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
In 1947, Rhode Island’s governor John Pastore presented him with the Rhode Island Cross for extraordinary heroism. At the time of his discharge, Kizirian was counted among the most decorated Marines of World War II and was Rhode Island’s most decorated veteran.
Life After War: Public Service and Humility
After the war, Harry Kizirian returned to civilian life carrying the quiet dignity of a veteran who considered duty paramount. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed him Postmaster of Providence. He served in that role with distinction, becoming a respected local leader known for integrity and humility. He never sought the spotlight; when asked about his wartime actions, he typically described them as simply helping fellow Marines.
His public service and character led to a unique national honor: the U.S. Postal Service named the Harry Kizirian Post Office in Providence after him, making it the first federal building in the United States to bear the name of an Armenian-American. The landmark recognizes both his wartime sacrifice and his long civic contribution.
Legacy and Remembrance
Harry Kizirian died on September 13, 2002, at age 77, and was buried at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. His story endures as an example of decisive leadership under fire and humble service in peace. For Marines and civilians alike, Kizirian represents the generation that bore immense responsibility in desperate times and then quietly rebuilt American communities afterward.
Key lessons from his life include:
- The influence of individual courage in tightly contested battles.
- How small-unit initiative can change tactical outcomes and save lives.
- The continuity between military service and civic leadership.
Conclusion
Corporal Harry Kizirian’s actions at Okinawa were not performed for medals or recognition; they were instinctive responses to the immediate needs of comrades under fire. His Navy Cross and other awards are tangible acknowledgments of those actions, but his deeper legacy lies in the example he set — the courage to act, the will to endure injury, and the humility to return home and serve others. In remembering Kizirian, we honor the bravery and quiet resolve that helped shape victory and peace in the twentieth century.
