Theodore Leo Zawisza

The database page for Theodore Leo Zawisza

11 Mar 2004 On that day so long ago, in March of '68 I saw my Daddy in a wheelchair, Such a cruel twist of fate. As I ran up to him, putting kisses on his face I saw pain in his eyes time would never erase. I became confused, as small children often do "Daddy, why are you crying, what is wrong with you?" "Aren't you glad to see us, we have missed you so much!" "Of course I am happy", he said, As my little face he did touch. As a grown woman now, I finally realize What the tears were about, And that pain in his eyes. It was for you, Ted, and the others in your platoon Who died that night Under a bright Vietnam moon. Daddy was your sergeant, and he has never forgotten, The Bravery you showed, A Hero among the Fallen. Ted, you represent many who died, To protect this Great Nation, fighting side by side. Know this, Ted, as your platoon now reunites, That you will always be remembered, the Valor of your Final Fight. I now understand, that day long ago, Why from my Daddy's eyes the tears did flow. He was happy to see us, I know that was true. But the tears he shed, Ted, they were for you. Your old platoon misses you, and will never forget the date, March 18, 1968. By Tammie Hicks Clark, proud daughter of MSGT Tom Hicks, US Army Ret. aceofbass64@hotmail.com

02 Nov 2005 I love you, brother. Anderson From a brother-in-arms, Bill Anderson champbill@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 18 March 1968, elements of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, engaged enemy forces in Binh Duong Province northwest of Saigon, Company D, 1/26, lost two men in the fighting, 1LT Larry L. Fitzsimmons of Houston, Texas, and SP4 Theodore L. Zawisza. SP4 Zawisza received a posthumous award of the Silver Star in recognition of his heroism in the fighting: DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL WASHINGTON, D. C. 20315 3 JUN 1968 AGPB-AC Zawisza, Theodore L. US54816933 (18 Mar 68) Mr. and Mrs. John E. Zawisza 14626 South Short Street Posen, Illinois 60469 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Zawisza: I have the honor to inform you that your son has been awarded posthumously the Silver Star for gallantry in action, Bronze Star Medal and First Oak Leaf Cluster for heroism, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. Prior to death, Theodore had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Badge with rifle bar. Arrangements are being made to have these awards presented to you in the near future by a representative of the Commanding General, Fifth United States Army. The representative selected will communicate with you in the next few weeks to arrange for presentation. Any inquiry or correspondence concerning presentation should be addressed to the Commanding General, Fifth United States Army, Fort Sheridan, Illinois 60037. My continued sympathy is with you. Sincerely, KENNETH G. WICKHAM Major General, USA The Adjutant General

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009