Bio: Zwirchitz, Delmar & Dennis (Military Honors - 2011)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wolterson, Zwirchitz

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, October 26, 2011, page 17

Zwirchitz father, son honored at Highground

On Saturday, September 10, two Legacy Stones were placed at the Highground Veterans Memorial near Neillsville for a father and son from Abbotsford.

Family, friends and classmates of Dennis Zwirchitz and Delmar Zwirchitz came from Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin to honor these two men.

The Legacy Stones were sponsored by wife and mother Jane Zwirchitz, daughter and sister Judy Wolterson and son and brother Ed Zwirchitz. 

Delmar Zwirchitz served in World War II, from 1943 to 1946. He passed away on September 7, 1975.

His son, Dennis Zwirchitz was born on July 4, 1947, and gave his life for this country on March 16, 1968, in Viet Nam.  Dennis was the recipient of both the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to any member of the U.S. armed forces who was wounded or killed while serving under the competent authority in any capacity.

The Silver Star is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces "for distinguished gallantry inaction against an enemy of the United States."

On March 16, 1968, Private First Class Zwirchitz’s platoon was assigned to assist a friendly unit, which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force.

Approaching the site of the beleaguered unity, Zwirchitz alertly observed several Marines attempting to move casualties from an area dangerously exposed to hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly moved to a position between the friendly force and the hostile emplacements and provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire.

Suddenly, hostile mortar fire wounded several of the Marines who were aiding the casualties. Ignoring the enemy round impacting near him, Zwirchitz fearlessly ran across the fire-swept terrain and began assisting two Marines in moving a wounded man from the hazardous area.

As they carried the casualty to a covered position, the enemy fire intensified. Reacting instantly, Zwirchitz placed his body on top of the wounded man to shield him from further injury. Zwirchitz was mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding mortar round.

By his courage and self-less devotion to duty, Private First Class Zwirchitz upheld the highest tradition of the United States naval Service. Hi gallantly gave his life for his country.