Douglas Alexander Zembiec
Major, U.S. Marine Corps

On 11 May 2007, then-Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec was serving as a Marine Advisor, Iraq Assistance Group, Multi-National Corps, Iraq while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, attacking from concealed and fortified positions, an enemy force engaged Maj Zembiec’s assault team, firing crew-served automatic weapons and various small arms. Maj Zembiec boldly moved forward and immediately directed the bulk of his assault team to take cover. Under withering enemy fire, Maj Zembiec remained in an exposed, but tactically critical, position in order to provide leadership and direct effective suppressive fire on the enemy combatant positions with his assault team's machine gun. In doing so, Maj Zembiec received the brunt of the enemy's fire, was struck and succumbed to his wounds. Emboldened by Maj Zembiec's actions, his team and supporting assault force aggressively engaged the enemy combatants. Maj Zembiec's quick thinking and timely action to re-orient his team's machine gun enabled the remaining members of his unit to rapidly and accurately engage the primary source of the enemy's fire, saving the lives of his comrades. Maj Zembiec’s selfless, courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Marine Advisor, Iraq Assistance Group, Multi-National Corps, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 11 May 2007. Attacking from concealed and fortified positions, an enemy force engaged Major Zembiec's assault team, firing crew-served automatic weapons and various small arms. He boldly moved forward and immediately directed the bulk of his assault team to take cover. Under withering enemy fire, Major Zembiec remained in an exposed, but tactically critical, position in order to provide leadership and direct effective suppressive fire on the enemy combatant positions with his assault team's machine gun. In doing so, he received the brunt of the enemy's fire, was struck and succumbed to his wounds. Emboldened by his actions his team and supporting assault force aggressively engaged the enemy combatants. Major Zembiec's quick thinking and timely action to re-orient his team's machine gun enabled the remaining members of his unit to rapidly and accurately engage the primary source of the enemy's fire saving the lives of his comrades. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Major Zembiec reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 8621.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19346639/douglas-a_-zembiec