RANGERS Belcher, Julius Wilbur

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Belcher
  • FORENAME
Julius Wilbur
  • UNIT
2 Ranger Bn (Company C)
  • RANK
Sergeant
  • NUMBER
33213927
  • AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross
  • PLACE
Normandy 1944
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
resided Swords Creek, Virginia
born 28.10.1921, Grundy, Virginia, USA
father James Monroe Belcher (1894-1962)
mother Maggie L. (nee Edwards) Belcher (1894-1965)
4 years high school
employed by NNSDD Co.
30.06.1942 draft card Swords Creek, Virginia
divorced without dependents upon enlistment
20.11.1945 enlisted
10.01.1946 married Ruth Velva (nee Barker) Belcher (1929-1994)
17.04.1950 discharged
died 18.03.1998 (aged 76) Rowan County, Kentucky, USA
Dean Cemetery #3, Enterprise, Kentucky, USA
 

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Julius W. Belcher (ASN: 33213927), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 2d Ranger Infantry Battalion, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Verville-Sur-Mer, France. Upon landing with the initial assault Ranger Battalion on the coast of France, Sergeant Belcher immediately moved up the beach under heavy machine gun, mortar and sniper fire, and scaled a 100-foot cliff to secure toggle ropes to barbed wire on top of the cliff. Though under constant fire on top of the cliff he remained at his position and cleaned out six snipers. Following this he charged an enemy pillbox and mortar position and destroyed it with grenades. Sergeant Belcher's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

WEB LINKS:

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/21884
http://rangerroster.org/SearchDetails.asp?ID=2085

FINDAGRAVE:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134534914/julius-wilbur-belcher
Last edited by a moderator:
The Battalion
By Col. Robert W. Black
Rangers in World War II
By Robert W Black
Top