Joseph A. Glowin
Encyclopedia
Joseph Anthony Glowin was a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor
for heroism in combat in the Dominican Republic
in 1916.
, on March 14, 1892. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
in Lansing, Michigan
, during December 1913 and took part in the expedition to Vera Cruz
, Mexico
, from April to November 1914.
During the following year, he participated in engagements in the Republic of Haiti
during September and November 1915. In 1916, Cpl Glowin deployed to the Dominican Republic
with the 13th Company, Artillery Battalion, 1st Brigade.
Corporal Glowin, a machine gun
ner, was deep into the jungle of Santo Domingo
, near Guayacanas, on July 3, 1916 with a small detachment of Marines. Cpl Glowin and his fellow Marines encountered a strong row of bandit trenches manned by a superior force. The Marines were in the open, their only course lay in a direct front attack. Cpl Glowin, although hit by enemy fire, remained at his post, fighting off the enemy until wounded again and forced by his comrades to get medical aid. He was awarded the Nation's
highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism at Guayacanas.
Glowin remained in the Dominican Republic until June 1917 where he was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant
(temporary). He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1917. He reenlisted ten days later for the duration of World War I
, but because his previous ranks had all been temporary warrants, he was later honorably discharged a second time at his permanent rank of private on September 6, 1919. He later served with the Detroit Police Department from 1923 until 1941.
Joseph Glowin died on August 23, 1952, aged 60, and was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit
.
Citation:
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
for heroism in combat in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
in 1916.
Biography
Glowin was born in Detroit, MichiganDetroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
, on March 14, 1892. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
in Lansing, Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan...
, during December 1913 and took part in the expedition to Vera Cruz
Veracruz, Veracruz
Veracruz, officially known as Heroica Veracruz, is a major port city and municipality on the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. The city is located in the central part of the state. It is located along Federal Highway 140 from the state capital Xalapa, and is the state's most...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, from April to November 1914.
During the following year, he participated in engagements in the Republic of Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
during September and November 1915. In 1916, Cpl Glowin deployed to the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
with the 13th Company, Artillery Battalion, 1st Brigade.
Corporal Glowin, a machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
ner, was deep into the jungle of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, known officially as Santo Domingo de Guzmán, is the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic. Its metropolitan population was 2,084,852 in 2003, and estimated at 3,294,385 in 2010. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River...
, near Guayacanas, on July 3, 1916 with a small detachment of Marines. Cpl Glowin and his fellow Marines encountered a strong row of bandit trenches manned by a superior force. The Marines were in the open, their only course lay in a direct front attack. Cpl Glowin, although hit by enemy fire, remained at his post, fighting off the enemy until wounded again and forced by his comrades to get medical aid. He was awarded the Nation's
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism at Guayacanas.
Glowin remained in the Dominican Republic until June 1917 where he was promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant
Gunnery Sergeant
Gunnery Sergeant is the seventh enlisted rank in the United States Marine Corps, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and is a staff non-commissioned officer...
(temporary). He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1917. He reenlisted ten days later for the duration of World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, but because his previous ranks had all been temporary warrants, he was later honorably discharged a second time at his permanent rank of private on September 6, 1919. He later served with the Detroit Police Department from 1923 until 1941.
Joseph Glowin died on August 23, 1952, aged 60, and was buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Corporal, U .S. Marine Corps. Born: March 14, 1892, Detroit, Mich. Accredited to: Michigan. G.O. NO.: 244, October 30, 1916.Citation:
During an engagement at Guayacanas on 3 July 1916, Cpl. Glowin participated in action against a considerable force of rebels on the line of march.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients