William John Zalewski was born on July 15, 1916. His home of record is Clifton, NJ. Bill was raised in a section of Clifton that was mostly dairy farms. He graduated from Clifton High School in 1933.
He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1933. During his early military service, Zalewski saw duty in China, Cuba and Hawaii. He was in uniform and 25 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed. During WWII, he participated in several military actions, most notably when he was wounded during the invasion of Iwo Jima for which he received a Purple Heart.
Staying in the Marine Corps for another 21 years, Bill found himself serving in Da Nang in September 1966, for a 15-month tour of duty. In September 1967, he re-enlisted for an additional 6 months of service at the end of which time, he would retire with 35 years of active duty. During October 1967, Bill was promoted to his final rank, Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGYS), a very priviliged rank even by Marine standards. It is the highest rank for a non-commissioned officer in the Marines.
On December 4, 1967, while serving with the 1st Marine Air Wing in Da Nang, Zalewski succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage. He is listed as killed in action.
He left behind a mother, a wife and two sisters. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Sources: The Viet Nam Remembrance Committee & Clifton War Veterans Monument Committee and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
