The Armenian community of Rhode Island has its own honor roll of these servicemen and servicewoman who took part in major military actions during WWII. US Marine Harry Kizirian became an iconic figure symbolizing the strong belief in victory and military success. Kizirian's mother had been widowed in Armenia and had experienced the loss of nine children in the Genocide. In America she married Toros Kizirian, and Harry was their only son.
Kiziran distinguished himself for his bravery in action and was wounded several times. 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 was also the most decorated serviceman from Rhode Island. His picture taken shortly after the landing of US marines in Okinawa was published on the front page of the New York Times Magazine
In 1961 President John F. Kennedy appointed him as postmaster of Providence. Thus becoming (at age 36) one of the youngest postmasters in the United States. Kizirian was instrumental in establishing the first automated post office in the country, which made the Providence post office an operational model for the United States and worldwide.