The Lion of Fallujah
The thoughts of Major Douglas Zembiec, U.S. Marine Corps (USNA class of '95):
Major Zembiec was a true hero, one of that rare species of people whose enormous courage, principles, and sacrifice make it possible for the the rest of us to live safe, comfortable lives. They put their lives on the line fully knowing that their sacrifice will never be fully appreciated, indeed often denigrated by many of the very people they sacrifice to protect.
But even in the company of heroes, Doug Zembiec was something special, a leader whose dedication and amazing courage under fire was chronicled in coverage of the brutal fighting in Fallujah in 2004. Despite being seriously wounded himself, he climbed atop a tank and continued to lead his Marines in street fighting so close and furious that at times grenades were being tossed at a range of 20 feet.
Then-Captain Zembiec was awarded a Bronze Star with decoration for valor for his actions in Fallujah, the citation reading, "On two occasions, Captain Zembiec coordinated the actions of the Marines from atop a tank while rocket-propelled grenades and enemy small arms fire impacted all around him. Wherever the battle raged with intensity, Zembiec could be found inspiring Marines to aggressively repel the enemy's determined assault..."
After his promotion to Major he was assigned to a desk job statesid, but he soon volunteered to go to Afghanistan, later back to Iraq. This was a true man of action, a man who knew the danger and horror of combat but continually put himself in harm's way to protect others. As his close friend Tom Ripley put it, "It's such a loss for our country, but he was doing what he loved. Exactly what he loved to do."
I never met Major Zembiec, but I pass along the above because men like this are to be remembered and their sacrifice appreciated, not forgotten. Read more.
Major Zembiec was killed May 10, 2007, while leading a raid on a terrorist stronghold in Baghdad. The words above are from his journals, read by his best friend at Maj. Zembiec's funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery on May 17.
Be a man of principle. Fight for what you believe in. Keep your word. Live with integrity. Be brave. Believe in something bigger than yourself. Serve your country. Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society. Lead from the front. Conquer your fears.
Be a good friend. Be humble but be self-confident. Appreciate your friends and family. Be a leader and not a follower. Be valorous on the field of battle and take responsibility for your actions.
Major Zembiec was a true hero, one of that rare species of people whose enormous courage, principles, and sacrifice make it possible for the the rest of us to live safe, comfortable lives. They put their lives on the line fully knowing that their sacrifice will never be fully appreciated, indeed often denigrated by many of the very people they sacrifice to protect.
But even in the company of heroes, Doug Zembiec was something special, a leader whose dedication and amazing courage under fire was chronicled in coverage of the brutal fighting in Fallujah in 2004. Despite being seriously wounded himself, he climbed atop a tank and continued to lead his Marines in street fighting so close and furious that at times grenades were being tossed at a range of 20 feet.
Then-Captain Zembiec was awarded a Bronze Star with decoration for valor for his actions in Fallujah, the citation reading, "On two occasions, Captain Zembiec coordinated the actions of the Marines from atop a tank while rocket-propelled grenades and enemy small arms fire impacted all around him. Wherever the battle raged with intensity, Zembiec could be found inspiring Marines to aggressively repel the enemy's determined assault..."
After his promotion to Major he was assigned to a desk job statesid, but he soon volunteered to go to Afghanistan, later back to Iraq. This was a true man of action, a man who knew the danger and horror of combat but continually put himself in harm's way to protect others. As his close friend Tom Ripley put it, "It's such a loss for our country, but he was doing what he loved. Exactly what he loved to do."
I never met Major Zembiec, but I pass along the above because men like this are to be remembered and their sacrifice appreciated, not forgotten. Read more.
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