Marvin William Zeman
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Electrician's Mate Marvin William Zeman, USN
EM Marvin Zeman was a crewman on the submarine USS Finback during WWII. As Chief Electrician, Marvin's responsibility was the operation and repair of a ship's or station's electrical power plant and electrical equipment. The EM is also to maintain and repair power and lighting circuits, distribution switchboards, generators, motors and other electrical equipment onboard the submarine.
The Finback sailed a dozen successful combat missions during WWII wreaking havoc on Japanese transport sinking a myriad of Japanese ships. The Finnack's missions were all throughout the Pacific Theater including Alaska and many of the island hopping campaign in the South Pacific. The missions included war patrol, reconnaissance, escort and life guard duty.
Amongst the missions was a very important one historically; the rescue of a little known Navy pilot, George H.W. Bush, after he had been shot down and ditched in the ocean. He would later become the 41st President of the United States. The President invited Zeman and all his fellow crewmen to the White House for the inaguaration.
EM Marvin Zeman was born on September 8th 1922 in Grand Forks, ND. Served in the Navy for 20 years and settled in Duluth and raised a family. He died on June 1st 1999.
Source: Family members at History in a Pint, January 15, 2019.
