World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Joseph Dominic Zarlenga
Branch of Service
U.S. Marine Corps
Hometown
Chicago, Illinois
Honored By
A Grateful American
STAFF SERGEANT, ENTERED THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS ON JUNE 10, 1940 IN SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. SERVED IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS WITH THE 1ST DEFENSE BATTALION STATIONED ON WAKE ISLAND. HE WAS ONE OF 449 MARINES CAPTURED BY THE JAPANESE AFTER THE FALL OF WAKE ISLAND ON DECEMBER 23, 1941 AND HELD PRISONER OF WAR UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART, MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL WITH WAKE ISLAND DEVICE, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC MEDAL WITH BATTLE STAR, WWII VICTORY MEDAL AND ORGANIZED MARINE CORPS RESERVE MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON MARCH 15, 1946.