The AHEPAN - Spring 2014 - (Page 22)

VETERANS Profile in Courage: D-Day Vet, POW, Zazas Honored with Periclean Award At the age of 19, Brother Chris James Zazas was drafted by the United States army, Feb. 12, 1943, to serve state-side in New York as a member of the counter-intelligence service. A quick study, Brother Zazas received a promotion to the rank of sergeant. However, as preparations for the D-Day invasion began, he was re-assigned to the 4th division, 22nd infantry, "I" Company in South Carolina, where he perfected his new skills as a weapons expert. In June 1944, Sergeant Zazas was among the first wave of troops to land on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, because of his dual expertise in armor and weapons repair. At Normandy, Brother Zazas quickly distinguished himself from the other troops. He was one of a 55-manunit sent ashore to take out German .88 caliber gun emplacements, which required the use of six-foot explosive pipe bandoliers loaded with TNT. The initial assault exposed his unit to heavy and relentless enemy fire. Only four of the 55 men survived the assault after German gunfire immediately destroyed his landing craft. Thankfully, Sergeant Zazas was already in the water having disembarked first. Outnumbered, Zazas and three remaining men continued the charge without regard for their personal safety. Army records of these early hours credit Sergeant Zazas and his men with destroying 12 German "pill box" emplacements. He is also credited with killing three 22 | THE AHEPAN · Spring 2014 German soldiers in hand-to-hand combat during the ensuing chaos of the onslaught. During the army troops' push inland, Brother Zazas became involved in countless battles. As a result, he received his first wounds on July 12, 1944. However, Sergeant Zazas disregarded his wounds. Always thinking of the mission first, he was captured Sgt. Zazas circa 1943. by Germans troops while crossing the Rhine River. The German troops took notice and were amazed that he had been shot in the leg, the arms, and the shoulders. It was only then he was rendered proper medical attention as he was transported to Stalag 7-a to become a "guest" of the Third Reich. Later, the Germans transferred Sergeant Zazas to the villainous Dachau death camp, where he was incarcerated. There, the Nazis ordered him to do the unthinkable. Called "burial duty," Zazas shoveled out the ashes of exterminated Jews from the ovens. Sergeant Zazas was liberated when Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army marched across Europe in the fall of 1945. Brother Zazas returned to Des Moines a hero and decorated veteran. He is credited with numerous Army citations; good conduct medals; the POW Medal; the European/ African Service Medal; the WWII Victory Medal; the D-Day Medal; two Bronze Stars; and five Purple Hearts. He graduated from Drake University on the G.I. Bill with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and fell in love with and married Mary Cappas in 1949. Together, they have two children, James and Angie. Chris and Mary have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They have been happily married for 64 years and enjoyed over 50 years in the jewelry business. Together, they are esteemed members of their church, and continue to exhibit exemplary service to it. Brother Zazas served as president of the church community. A Life Member of AHEPA, he has held every chapter officer position, district lodge position, and eventually served as supreme treasurer. According to AHEPA official records, including his time as a Son of Pericles, Brother Zazas is credited with more than 70 years of distinguished service to the Orders. www.ahepa.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Spring 2014

President’s Message
Ahepa Family News
American Hellenic, American Jewish Groups Hail Historic Three-Country Mission
Preview: Ahepa Family Supreme Convention
The Jerusalem Patriarchate Endures
Veterans
Civic Responsibility
Athletics
Periclean
Housing
Ahepa Family Chapter News
In Memoriam

The AHEPAN - Spring 2014