Deslove Zakula
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Not Available
Deslove Zakula served in World War II and the Korean War.
He was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1923. He is the son of George and Dorothy Zakula and graduated from high school in 1942.
During World War II, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines, from 1943 until 1946.
He served as an E-5 Wheelman and Boatswain's Mate aboard the SS Alexander Ramsey, John Garett, Fairmount Victory, and J.R. Barrios in the European Theater and Southeast Asia carrying war supplies and materials.
Mr. Zakula also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, from 1950 until 1952.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (below)
“In service to our country in World War II and the Korean War, we had six men and one daughter in the service. These units are the 82nd Airborne, the 106th Infantry Division, minesweepers, U.S. Air Force, the WAVEs, and the Merchant Marines. All are deceased. I am the only survivor—one was killed in service. I would like to represent and honor my brothers and sister, who served their country with great distinction.”
Deslove Zakula enlisted in the Merchant Marine in 1943. Home at entry: Duluth, Minnesota.
He served as an E-5 Wheelman and Boatswain's Mate aboard the SS Alexander Ramsey, John Garett, Fairmount Victory, and J.R. Barrios in the European Theater and Southeast Asia carrying war supplies and materials.
"As you enter the Mediterranean Sea, beyond the Straights of Gibraltar (The Rock) also is known as Submarine Alley. Beyond this point the German wolf pack submarine would attack and play havoc with ships in convoy as they were easy prey."
"Many vessels were sunk with great loss of life. What was left, the German air force took care of. The convoy was a great scheme, the huge mass of ships sailing together under one ship, the commodore with radar and the patrolling naval vessels."
Separated August 15,1946.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project, 347.
