Peter Zakula
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
ZAKULA, Peter
Peter Zakula was born on July 4th 1919 to George M. & Dorothy “Draga” [Glumac] Zakula in Duluth, Minnesota
Mr. Zakula enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 10th 1942. Home at entry: Duluth.
He served with the 401st Glider Infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment in the European Theater. He rose to the rank of as a First Sergeant (1SGT).
His brother reports: "His division was the first to land behind enemy lines in Normandy to establish a beachhead. They suffered a great number of casualties but were able to maintain a stand to allow other forces to land. While in Germany, his unit was ordered to report to Bastogne, Belgium, for the Battle of the Bulge."
"Together with other military forces, they were able to drive the Germans back and capture the region and win the battle with the loss of many casualties. The unit was ordered back to Germany until the war ended. He returned to the U.S. and was scheduled to take part in the invasion of Japan but the war ended."
SGT Zakula earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged in March 1946.
He also served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Zakula died on October 11th 1984 at 65 years of age in Merrilville, Indiana. He is buried at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Gery, Indiana.
Source(s):
Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project, 348.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
