United Conservatives of Virginia: The Lion of Fallujah Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec

Photo by Union-Tribune

Maj. Douglas A. Zembiec was killed in action in Iraq on May 10th, 2007. Only 34 years old when he died, he had attained legendary status among Marine warriors during the battle of Fallujah in 2004. Semper Fi, Major.

Photo by: Sgt. Jose E. Guillen

Lion of Fallujah is laid to rest
Marine Corps News
May 19, 2007
Story ID#: 200751813921

By Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva, MCB Camp Pendleton

U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 19, 2007) -- The Lion of Fallujah is at rest
~excerpt~
They came to honor a man who roared life, who led them into combat in Fallujah and who climbed upon a tank to gain a greater perspective of the battlefield, all the while defying rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire smashing around him. They honored a man who considered it his greatest honor to fight in combat with his Marines.

Zembeic told Los Angeles Time reporter Tony Perry that battling insurgents was “the greatest day of my life. I never felt so alive, so exhilarated, so purposeful. There is nothing equal to combat, and there is no greater honor than to lead men into combat. Once you’ve dealt with life and death like that, it gives you a whole new perspective.”

At times during the battle, Zembiec’s Marines tossed grenades within 20 feet of insurgents.

“My Marines have fought like lions and will continue to do so,” he said following the battle. “Ten million insurgents won’t even begin to fill the boots of one of my men.”

Shortly before 9 a.m. and under blue skies and puffy white clouds, Zembiec’s lions brought their leader home.