Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Fred
Zielske
, Jr.
August 31, 1922

–

April 3, 2003

Born:

Sandusky

, 

Ohio

Home:

Huron Township

, 

Ohio

Buried: 

Canon City

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

Lakeside Cemetery

William Zielske was a member of an elite international unit, including 82 Americans, that parachuted into France, Belgium and Holland ahead of Allied Armies on and after D-Day, to organize resistance. These special operators were code named “Jedburghs”.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Sergeant

    Division:

    Office of Strategic Services

    Action Date:

    July 17 – September 9, 1944
    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (March 10, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Sergeant William Fred Zielske, Jr. (ASN: 35540859), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Jedburgh Team Horace, Office of Strategic Services, in action against enemy forces in enemy-occupied France, from 17 July 1944 to 9 September 1944. First Sergeant Zielske’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.