Marine Corps Major Doug Zembiec

Marine Corps Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec, 34, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps National Capital Region, Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia. He was killed on May 11, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, by enemy small-arms fire while leading an assault team during combat operations. Serving as an adviser to Iraqi forces, he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his men. His extraordinary courage earned him a posthumous Silver Star.

Born April 14, 1973, in Hawaii, Maj Zembiec grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from La Cueva High School. He attended the United States Naval Academy, becoming a two-time All-American wrestler before graduating in 1995. Commissioned into the Marine Corps, he served in Force Reconnaissance and deployed to Kosovo and Iraq. In 2004, he commanded Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, during fierce fighting in Fallujah.

Maj Zembiec’s leadership philosophy emphasized integrity, bravery, mentorship, and service to others. Fellow Marines remembered him as a commander who never hesitated to share their hardships or place their safety above his own.

Maj Zembiec was survived by his wife and daughter.