
0009
Joseph S. Zachwieja Jr.
Tomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jun 1960 - Jul 1961Society Membership
Lifetime MemberObituary
J.S. Zachwieja, Jr., 80, of Fairfield Harbour, died Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Grantsbrook Nursing Home in Grantsboro after a long illness. Zach was born in 1934 in Philadelphia, PA. He entered the U.S. Army Infantry in 1951 and served combat tours in Korea and twice in Vietnam where he was awarded two purple hearts and a bronze star. From June 1960 to July 1961, with the 3rd infantry, he was the Platoon leader (Officer-in-Charge) of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. As a Lt. Col. he retired in 1972 after 21 years of service. He moved to New Bern (FFH) in 1987 to play golf and enjoy his retirement. He is survived by his wife Patricia "Patty", elder daughter Theresa Cohen of Philadelphia, PA, son Stephen Joseph Zachwieja of Redmond, WA, daughter Alexa Hook of Chesapeake, VA, and six grandchildren.Memories & Condolences
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Did you know?
What happened to the soldier that was in the Tomb from the Vietnam War?
The remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. (Further Background) (News Article from the Department of Defense)