World War II Honoree

Joseph M. Zechmeister

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Patricia Ann Kudlak

Relationship

Daughter

HE SAW ACTION IN THE INVASIONS OF NORTH AFRICA, ITALY AND FRANCE. HE WAS WITH THE 139TH SEABEE BATTALION ON OKINAWA. HE RECEIVED THREE THEATER RIBBONS, THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN, ASIATIC-PACIFIC AND THE AMERICAN. HE ALSO RECEIVED ONE BATTLE STAR FOR EACH. HE WAS DISCHARGED IN JANUARY 1946 FROM BAINBRIDGE, MARYLAND WITH A PURPLE HEART FOR WOUNDS RECEIVED WHEN HIS SHIP HIT A MINE NEAR ITALY.