Walter Zweizig

Walter M. Zweizig, 79, Perry Township, died Thurs

day, Nov. 5, 2009, at 10:28 p.m. in his residence.

He was the husband of

Jean D. (Hess) Zweizig, whom he married on June 13, 1953.

Born in Perry Township, he was a son of the late Robert A. and Laura (Stoudt) Zweizig.

He graduated from Perry High School and was also a graduate of the Industrial Management Institute (IMI) of Reading.

He was employed as a supervisor by Dana Corporation when he retired in 1988 after 34 years of service. He then worked for Phares Fry Well Drilling and Pump Service Inc., Windsor Township, until 1993.

Walt joined the U.S. Army in January 1948 and was selected to attend the 25th Infantry Division Leadership School at Shinodayama, Honshu Island, Japan.

He was a combat veteran of the Korean War and was promoted to Master Sergeant at age 22. As a member of the 27th Infantry Regiment, (25th Infantry Division), Walt arrived in Korea 10 days after the Korean War began and served two tours of duty before the war ended in 1953.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart during the Korean conflict and participated in seven campaigns during the first tour of duty including the campaign, which earned their regiment a Presidential Unit Citation in the fall of 1950.

While serving with the Army, Walt earned many awards including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Good Conduct Medal with Cluster, U.S. Army Occupational Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with seven battle stars, National Service Defense Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation from South Korean President Snygman Rhee, Meritorious Unit Emblem and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

He also authored the book, "Act Now-Think Later," which depicted life during the occupation of Japan and wartime Korea. The book encompasses his entire 39-month overseas tour in Japan and Korea.

His book was accepted and is preserved in the Personal History Library at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Col. Donald W. Boose Jr. (Ret.), a faculty instructor at the Army War College and Korean War historian felt that this book had substantial historical value for it's description and insights in the U.S. Army experience during that time and place.

The book was also accepted and is preserved in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Walt was also awarded the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal (the first Berks countian to receive this award), the General Stewart Medal and the prestigious General Arthur D. Bertolet Award.

In 1966, he was named Soldier of the Year by his battalion for his efficiency in gunnery, overall advancement of his unit and his leadership and soldierly qualities.

He served a total of 58 months overseas at various military bases, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1971. He served more than seven years active duty and 13 years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Walt was a member of St. Michael's Church, Tilden Township.

He was a member of Vaux Lodge 406 F&AM, Hamburg; a member of the Consistory AASR, Valley of Reading and a member of the Rajah Temple Shrine.

He was a charter member and past president of the Hamburg Lions Club, also serving as their secretary for 20 years. Through his involvement with the Hamburg Lions Club, he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award.

He served as the Perry Township Republican Committeeman for 26 years. He was the only living charter member and honorary life member of the Locust Ridge Hunting Club Inc., located in Clinton County, where he served as secretary and treasurer for 38 years.

In addition to his wife, Walt is survived by two brothers, Robert N. and John S. Zweizig, both of Shoemakersville; and two sisters, Marian (Zweizig) Dietrich, Tilden Township; and Catherine (Zweizig) Bieber, Kutztown.

He was predeceased by a brother, Leroy C. Zweizig, who died in 2002.

He also leaves behind many wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Services will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, Tilden Township, with the Rev. Paul E. Buzzard officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Michael's Cemetery. A viewing will be held in Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., Hamburg (off-street parking in rear), on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and in the church Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Vaux Lodge service will be on Friday at 8 p.m., followed by the Hamburg Lions Club service.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be sent to Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.O. Box 69, Mohnton, PA 19540, or St. Michael's Church Memorial Fund, 529 St. Michael's Church Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., Hamburg, is in charge of arrangements.