More than 40 years after being injured in Vietnam, a Marshfield man has been awarded a Purple Heart.
Vietnam War veteran Jeff Zondlo is originally from Marshfield, and remembers a June evening in 1969 when he didn’t think he would live until morning. The enemy snuck into their camp and threw grenades while they were sleeping.
Zondlo was able to survive the attack, but many from his unit died. His back and hair were badly burned and his ears were bleeding. He was able to stuff a handkerchief into a large wound on his side.
Zondlo says he went to Vietnam to serve his country, not earn medals, but he’s grateful for the recognition. “Now with this award program today I can say that finally, my war is over and I feel like I’m home with my family.”
Zondlo was presented the Purple Heart by Congressman Sean Duffy during a pinning ceremony at Rib Lake High School, as part of a Veteran’s Day observance.
WSAU