1st Sergeant Joseph S. Zembroski, USMC (Ret.)
Not old enough to join the armed forces during World War II, Joe Zembroski served at home in the Connecticut State Guard. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in January of 1948, and completed basic training at Parris Island. He served in Japan, Camp Lejeune and the Panama Canal Zone before volunteering for combat when the Korean War broke out.
Zembroski was wounded in action twice and earned three battle stars while serving with B Company, 5th Marines in Korea, 1951-53. Afterwards he served in the Philippines, Hawaii, Alaska, as well as afloat with the Fleet Marine Force. He trained recruits as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, and then served at the Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets, Washington, and as Gunnery Sergeant, Marine Detachment and mount captain, 5” 38 Battery, aboard the Cruiser USS Little Rock (CLG-4), 1964-65.
As 1st Sergeant, he served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines in Vietnam, 1966-67, earning three battle stars and the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V.” His last assignment was with Marine Reserve Motor Transport Co., Erie, PA, where he also acted as a casualty notification officer. 1st Sgt Zembroski retired in 1968 with 20 years of service in the Marine Corps. He would go on to a second career as a police officer in New Haven, Connecticut, before retiring in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Marine Detachment, USS Little Rock (CLG-4), 25 June 1964, Amsterdam, Netherlands
(L-R) Capt James D. Beans, Lt James M. Tully, GySgt Joseph S. Zembroski
