Zacharia, Anthony

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Sergeant Anthony Zacharia (MCSN: 412136), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Torkol-li, Korea, on 3 January 1951. During an enemy artillery shelling a fire blazed up in a 105 millimeter howitzer crew section's prime mover. Sergeant Zacharia, a member of the crew, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, voluntarily removed several rounds of high explosive ammunition from the burning truck. His heroic act prevented a serous explosion and saved the lives of his comrades. Sergeant Zacharia's quick thinking and courageous action reflect great credit on himself and the military service. Headquarters, X Corps, General Orders No. 180 (August 16, 1951). Entered Service From Missouri.

Zaragoza, Ignacio

Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 613 - 19 October 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Ignacio Zaragoza (ASN: RA-19371660), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On this date Corporal Zaragoza, a member of the heavy weapons platoon, was assigned to provide supporting fire for the attacking riflemen in an assault upon enemy-held positions. During the attack, Corporal Zaragoza, disregarding his personal safety, placed his 57-mm. recoilless rifle in an exposed position and personally destroyed several enemy bunkers and machine guns. Later, when the platoon was halted by continuous enemy automatic weapons and grenade fire, Corporal Zaragoza, under intense enemy fire, cleared the way for the advancing platoon by point blank fire with his weapon, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. His heroic actions enabled the unit to advance and secure its objective with a minimum of friendly casualties. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Zaragoza on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Zayas, Pedro J.

Headquarters - 3rd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 546 - 30 November 1951

Master Sergeant Pedro J. Zayas, RA20025371, Infantry, Company "F", 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 19 August 1951, Company "F" was engaged in mopping-up operations against enemy troops, near Hoesan-ni, Korea, when it was fiercely attacked by a numerically superior hostile force. During the engagement, some friendly positions were overrun and the troops were forced to fall back; but Sergeant Zayas, fully exposed to small arms fire, encouraged the men to keep fighting and moved about consolidating the defense line. Although wounded, he manned a machine gun and hurled hand grenades against the enemy at close range while the other men, following his forceful example, rallied, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy who then abandoned the attack. Sergeant Zayas' gallant and effective leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from Puerto Rico.

Zeagler, Howard B.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Howard B. Zeagler (MCSN: 598852), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery K, Fourth Battalion, Eleventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 4 December 1950. Although inexperienced as a tractor operator, Corporal Zeagler exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to man and operate an abandoned vehicle whose driver had been wounded during a hostile ambush. Fearlessly driving through fire-swept area, he returned to friendly lines where he picked up critically needed fuel for delivery to the ambush area and, when the operator of another tractor was wounded, boarded the second vehicle and again drove through intense fire to friendly lines. By his daring initiative, cool courage and heroic actions at great risk to his own life, Corporal Zeagler was responsible for preventing two of his battalion's howitzers from falling into enemy hands, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: Hollandale, Mississippi. Home Town: Jackson, Mississippi.

Zeiler, Joe W.

Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division
General Orders No. 44 - 21 January 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joe W. Zeiler (ASN: RA-017102071), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 65th Engineer Combat Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During an attack on a strongly fortified position in the vicinity of Taesan-myon, Korea, on 14 September 1950, Private First Class Zeiler was painfully wounded. Declining evacuation, he continued in the attack; when an enemy strongpoint threatened to disrupt the attack, he neutralized the position with grenades. After the objective had been secured he carried ammunition to the machine gun crew, then remained in position throughout the night to assist in defense of the area. Private First Class Zeiler's conspicuous courage, dauntless determination and staunch devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Zeper, Philip

Headquarters, X Corps
General Orders No. 81 - 22 April 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant Philip Zeper (ASN: 0-513039), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 30 November 1950, near Kunu-ri, Korea, elements of the 9th Infantry Regiment were attempting to break through a strong enemy roadblock and proceed to safety, but were meeting with repeated attacks from a large enemy force. In spite of the confusion and disorganization which resulted from the attacks, Captain Zeper took command of a group of two hundred men and skillfully led them to safety. During the march to safety, he personally led several patrols into enemy territory in his efforts to insure a safe withdrawal for the group of men. Due to his keen judgment and tactical knowledge , the group was able to avoid contact with any sizeable enemy force, in spite of the continuous enemy efforts to surround and destroy them. His intrepid actions and superior leadership on this occasion undoubtedly saved many. The courageous action displayed by Captain Zeper was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Ziegler, PFC William G.

Headquarters - 3d Infantry Division
General Orders No. 478 - 14 December 1953

Corporal (then Private First Class) William G. Ziegler, US51193846, Infantry, Company "I", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 30 May 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Corporal Ziegler was a radio operator with a reconnaissance patrol advancing to Hill "412", close to enemy lines. Upon reaching the objective, the group commenced to reconnoiter the area but was suddenly subjected to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from enemy defensive fortifications. In the unit's ensuing move to more advantageous positions, the patrol leader and his assistant were separated from the main body. Learning this, Corporal Ziegler immediately assumed command and, despite the heavy fire, led the group in a search for the missing men. Although wounded in this action, he relentlessly continued to direct the unit and courageously guided it back through enemy mortar barrages to the friendly main line of resistance. Corporal Ziegler's outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from New York.

Zielonka, Alvin L.

"With the U.S. Second Infantry Division in Korea - July 20 - M/Sgt. Alvin L. Zielonka, Rte. No. 2, Cuero, Texas, has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Korea.  Zielonka, son of Mrs. Sophie Zielonka, is a member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment of the Second Division.  He distinguished himself in the fighting near Hangye in May.

The citation reads in part: "Sergeant Zielonka was a Platoon sergeant in a unit assigned the mission of protecting the main supply route.  The enemy had launched a savage attack which forced the platoon to withdraw.  Sergeant Zielonka immediately volunteered to lead a small attacking group to regain the ground.  With complete disregard for his personal safety, he arose from his foxhole, throwing grenades and firing his weapon, killing nine enemy and forcing the remainder to flee in disorder."

[Source: Cuero Record newspaper, Cuero, Texas, August 1, 1951.  Sent to the KWE by Steve Orsak, Alvin's nephew. Sergeant Zielonka (ASN: RA-18359351) received this award in General Orders No. 184, 1951].

Zimmerman, Dale

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Dale Zimmermann (MCSN: 1196730), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Assistant Machine Gunner of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 19 February 1952. When the platoon was subjected to a surprise night attack which brought the enemy into friendly positions, Private First Class Zimmermann bravely exposed himself to intense hostile fire and aggressively fired his weapon in an attempt to drive off the hostile force, killing one and wounding two of the enemy before all his ammunition was expended. Using his carbine as a club, he charged and successfully dispersed the remainder of the enemy. After alerting the other units, he moved to the area where friendly positions had been overrun, aided a fellow gunner in replacing a disabled machine gun and delivered extremely accurate counterfire to drive of the last of the hostile force. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class Zimmermann served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: Herman, Missouri. Home Town: Herman, Missouri.

Zinsky, Paul

Headquarters, 2nd Infantry Division
General Orders No. 724 - 16 November 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul Zinsky (ASN: 0-977219), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 October 1951 in the vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea. On that date Company A spearheaded an assault on a strategic and heavily fortified enemy-held hill. Lieutenant Zinsky, a platoon leader, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, placed himself at the head of his platoon and led the assault on its objective. When his men began to falter under a heavy concentration of hostile fire, Lieutenant Zinsky moved among them lending words of encouragement and inspiring them by his act of bravery. Reaching the final objective he stormed the enemy positions with fixed bayonet, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy and forcing the remainder to retreat. The gallantry in action and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Zinsky on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Zobenica, Dushan J.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Dushan J. Zobenica (MCSN: 670217), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rescue Patrol Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 February 1953. When a friendly combat patrol, which was operating far forward of the main line of resistance, sustained numerous casualties after its position was subjected to an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage during the early morning hours, Staff Sergeant Zobenica dauntlessly proceeded forward with a rescue and assistance group in the face of the increasing enemy barrage to aid the wounded members of the stricken unit. Arriving at the scene of battle which was being swept by murderous hostile small arms fire, he bravely moved about the area, directing the efficient and expeditious evacuation of the casualties. With grim determination, he remained in the perilous position until assured that all his men had withdrawn, and then made his way to a friendly outpost position where he skillfully directed deadly accurate fire upon the enemy. Although painfully wounded during the initial phase of the action, he steadfastly refused medical attention and persisted in his heroic efforts. With the enemy making numerous attempts throughout the night to overrun the vital outpost, he swiftly and adeptly reorganized his forces and succeeded in repulsing the hostile attacks, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. Not until ordered to return to the main line of resistance did he leave his position. By his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Zobenica was directly responsible for the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: Columbus, Ohio. Home Town: Tampa, Florida.

Zoller, Virgil Lee

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 310 - 7 July 1951

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Virgil Lee Zoller, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as pilot of a B-26 attack bomber and Commanding Officer, 3d Bombardment Wing, during a daylight interdiction mission on 11 December 1950, when he attacked enemy transportation, buildings and troops in the vicinity of Sinuiju, Korea. Disregarding intense and highly accurate ground fire, Colonel Zoller made repeated attacks with bombs, rockets and machine gun fire which resulted in the destruction of a large important factory. Although attack by enemy aircraft was probable and expected, Colonel Zoller continued his strafing passes destroying targets of transportation and personnel. Only when his fuel supply became dangerously low did he break off his attacks. As he was returning from the target area, he discovered a large concentration of enemy troops in the vicinity of Ch'argon-Gwan. Although his low fuel supply made further attacks extremely dangerous, he elected to press the attack. He made several effective passes, encountering heavy and accurate ground fire, and destroyed numerous enemy personnel and vital equipment. Colonel Zoller's gallant performance and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

Zoubek, Leonard F.

Headquarters, 3ID
General Orders No. 33 - 7 February 1953

The Silver Star for gallantry in action is awarded to Private First Class (then Private) Leonard F. Zoubek, US55209087, Infantry, Company G, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 20 September 1952, Private Zoubek was the automatic rifleman of a squad of Company G, which was advancing beyond the main line of resistance to occupy an outpost in the vicinity of Umjichon, Korea. Suddenly the squad was ambushed by hostile forces employing small arms and automatic weapons fire, isolating two members of the squad and seriously wounding another. Private Zoubek immediately went to protect the wounded man. He remained in his position subjecting the enemy to automatic rifle fire, killing one of them and forcing the remainder to withdraw in confusion. He then reorganized the squad, rendered first aid to the wounded man and assisted in evacuating him to friendly positions. Private Zoubek’s gallantry was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow soldier and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service. Home of record: Wilber, Nebraska.

News Clipping:

"A Wilber Army sergeant was recently awarded the Silver Star in Korea for gallantry instrumental in saving the life of a fellow soldier.  Sgt. Leonard F. Zoubek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zoubek of Wilber, is with Company G, 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3d Infantry Division in Korea.  Zoubek was an automatic rifleman in a Company G squad which was ambushed by the enemy.  Small arms and automatic weapons fire of the enemy isolated two members of the squad and seriously wounded another.  Sergeant Zoubek immediately went to protect the wounded man.  He remained in his potion, blazing away at the enemy with automatic rife fire.  He killed one and forced the remainder to withdraw in confusion.  Reorganizing the squad, Zoubek gave first aid to the wounded man and assisted in evacuating him to friendly positions.  His citation reads in part: Zoubek's gallantry... 'reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.'  Entering the Army in January 1952, he took basic training at Camp Breckinridge, KY.  He arrived in Korea in September." - Beatrice Daily Sun, 16 April 1953

Zulkofske, John J.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John J. Zulkofske (MCSN: 0-32525), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 July 1953. With his company in the process of relieving a unit occupying a sector of the main line of resistance when a strong enemy force attacked and occupied approximately three hundred yards of trench line in the center of the position, Captain Zulkofske dauntlessly moved to the endangered area in the face of a heavy enemy mortar and artillery barrage. Organizing elements of two rifle platoons, he fearlessly led them through intense hostile bombardments in two attempts to retake the position. Although painfully wounded, he reorganized his forces and, spearheading a third attack, succeeded in routing the enemy from the position and restoring the main line of resistance, personally killing one of the enemy and wounding another. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Zulkofske served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: East Meadow, New York. Home Town: Jericho, Long Island, New York.

Zullo, Rocco A.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Rocco A. Zullo (MCSN: 260234), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as First Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. Observing several wounded Marines lying in the path of grazing fire when heavy enemy small arms, machine gun and mortar fire halted his truck convoy during its advance to Hagaru-ri, Master Sergeant Zullo unhesitatingly climbed to an exposed position on a truck, manned a 50 caliber machine gun and delivered accurate and effective fire against the attackers, thereby drawing the enemy fire to himself and enabling the Marines to be evacuated without further casualties. Struck in the right wrist and suffering from a serious wound in his stomach sustained during the ensuing bitter action, he staunchly remained at his gun and continued to fire at the enemy until he lost consciousness from loss of blood. By his daring initiative, bold tactics and grave concern for others at great risk to his own life, Master Sergeant Zullo was in large measure responsible for the wounded Marines receiving medical attention much earlier than would otherwise have been possible and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Born: Claremont, New Hampshire. Home Town: Claremont, New Hampshire.