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Post a CommentProfiles of Valor: U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Douglas Zembiec
Sunday, February 7, 2010
He is remembered as the "Lion of Fallujah," a leader who took many risks in order to save the lives of others. Then-Marine Capt. Douglas Zembiec, a Naval Academy graduate born in Hawaii, served with Echo Company in war-torn Fallujah, where he and his men helped quell violence that rocked the city for some time.
During one skirmish, Zembiec's team was providing back-up support for another Marine patrol that had encountered heavy insurgent fire. Zembiec led his men directly into the assault, where they encountered AK-47 and RPG fire. The Marines radioed for a nearby tank to open fire, but received no response to their repeated requests for aid. Zembiec left his position on a rooftop, and ran out into the fray. Remarkably, he made it safely to the tank and directed its operators where to fire. The enemy were summarily dispatched.
Not long after that incident, Zembiec's platoon was assaulted by insurgent fire from three sides, with only 20 feet of space between the platoon's position and the insurgents. Zembiec was wounded by shrapnel, but continued to direct platoon fire and the evacuation of the wounded.
Zembiec, 34, was later killed in the line of duty while serving in Baghdad. He left behind his wife of two years and a one-year-old daughter. "I was with your son in Fallujah," a Marine once told Zembiec's father. "He was my company commander. If we had to go back in there, I would follow him with a spoon." For his efforts in Fallujah, Zembiec was awarded the Bronze Star with combat "V" for valor.
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Ruth Ann Wilson
O, God, Help in ages past, Our hope for years to come. What a valiant man.
If this doesn't move you to tears, your heart must be stone.
This wonderful soldier is certainly a "definition of a Marine."
"First to fight for right and Freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines."
For God & Country
Ruth Ann Wilson
Posted February 7, 2010 at 9:55:02 AM
Jim
Read the book "No True Glory" by Bing West. Sums up the major's action well.
His actions accent the adage,"when the going gets tough, the tough get going"
Semper Fi
Posted February 7, 2010 at 10:28:44 AM
Alex Torello
Fallujah will someday rank with the other magnificent and unforgettable accomplishments of the Corps. Unfortunately, because of anti-war propaganda conveyed by the ultra liberal, traitorous politicians and msm, many incredible feats of valor will go unreported -- to the detriment of our future generations.
Thanks to the Post for keeping the fire alive.
Posted February 7, 2010 at 1:49:51 PM
Duke of Earl
OORAH!!!
Posted February 7, 2010 at 8:39:17 PM
martin mayer
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering
if they've made a difference. The Marines don't
have that problem."
(Ronald Reagan)
The day I recieved my Anchor Globe and Eagle. I was as proud as when I saw my firstborn in the arms of I did not know like Maj. Douglas Zembiec personally but because of men like him, their sacrifice and their example I know my son will grow up a free American.
Posted February 8, 2010 at 8:29:36 AM
Sam Mahoney
Major Douglas Zembiec has once again displayed that genuine patriotism that Marines before him have. Marines like Chesty Puller,Dan Daly,to name an exclusive few.I'eading this story has made me proud to have served in the USMC
Posted February 8, 2010 at 1:33:53 PM
martin mayer
Revision of my post: (Something scrambled it)
The day I recieved my Anchor Globe and Eagle. I was as proud as the day when I saw my firstborn in the arms ofmy wife. I did not know Maj. Douglas Zembiec personally but because of men like him, their sacrifice and their example I know my son will grow up a free American.
Posted February 9, 2010 at 2:23:38 AM
Ruth Ann Wilson
Proud to be an American
Why - Sam Mahoney, Richard Whiteleather, Russell Whiteleather, Douglas Zembiec, These are men I can identify.
"They are proud to claim the Title of United States Marines."
Well done, Sirs,
May God Bless You
For God & Country
Ruth Ann Wilson
Posted February 9, 2010 at 11:56:32 AM
Bob Rees
It does this old Viet Nam, Devil Dog veteran proud to read stories of the valor of men like Major Zembiec. Thank you all Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and Coast Guardsmen for your service to our country in these trying times that so many on the left, including the temporary occupant of the White House, truly disdain.
Semper Fi
Posted February 11, 2010 at 11:59:13 AM