Maziarz, (Władysław) Walter J. Jr.

b. June 4, 1932 (in Buffalo, NY) - d. April 11, 1951 (N. Korea)
Corporal, U.S. Army; fell in battle during the Korean War

Corporal Maziarz was a member (paratrooper) of the 5th Airborne Ranger Company, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. While attached to the 25th Infantry Division, he was Killed in Action while heroically covering the withdrawal of American troops in North Korea on April 11, 1951.

For his leadership and valor, Corporal Maziarz was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

According to family lore: He was wounded and couldn't move. He decided to man the machine gun and told his guys to keep going. They came back later to see what happened and found Walter's body with over 50 dead Chinese soldiers around his position... Walter held them off until he ran out of ammunition.

Walter J. Maziarz Jr. is remembered at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. This is a National Park Service and American Battle Monuments Commission location.

Article: Mr. and Mrs. Maziarz Received

Polish language version (clipping) see: Silver-Star-Maziarz-1952.pdf

It must be admitted that the Gen. Casimir Pulaski Post 1897 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) deserves great appreciation. The rather large headquarters of the Post turned out to be too small to contain everyone. Many veterans of the last two World Wars were there. We saw delegations from various posts of the American Legion, VFW, Polish War Veterans, as well as many friends of the Maziarz family.

Among those present was the honorable Fr. Edwin Fągowski, assistant pastor at St. Stanislaw's parish, who gave the invocation before the start of the proceedings. Captain* Andrews, who took part in the commemoration, presented the Silver Star to parents of the dear departed [Walter] Władysław Maziarz Jr. who fell in action during a battle in Korea. The son was a true soldier. Full of courage, he sacrificed his own life to save the platoon under his command.

It should be added that at this ceremony was present Judge Michael E. Zimmer of the municipal court, who gave a beautiful speech praising the service of the fallen soldier. He also expressed his sympathies to the loving parents, as well as to all the friends of the deceased. The speech by Judge Zimmer made a deep impression on all those present, especially the honored guests - Mr. and Mrs. Maziarz, who were received with sincere hospitality at the Pulaski Post which is located at 492 Fillmore Ave.

Special recognition is well deserved by the director of this commemoration, veteran William J. Levan, who deftly organized the proceedings. He has accomplished much on behalf of veterans, and continues to be active [in this sphere]. He deserves our appreciation.

Picture Caption: Received a Medal for a Fallen Hero - During a commemorative program at Pulaski Post 1897 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Fillmore Avenue, Mr. and Mrs. Maziarz received a medal "Silver Star" awarded for heroic action to their son who died on the field of battle in Korea. The medal was presented by Second Lieutenant* Albert L. Andres. Standing, from left to right are: William Levan, former commandant of the Pulaski Post; Second Lieutenant* Endres [sic]; Mr. and Mrs. Maziarz and their young son Ryszard. Mr. and Mrs. Maziarz reside at 155 Zelmer Street.

* Note: There appears to be some confusion as to the identity and rank of the officer who presented the Silver Star. In the article and caption his name is spelled variously: Andrews/Andres/Endres. As to the rank, the insignia on his shoulder epaulets are round (see photograph). A Captain or Lieutenant would have bars. Adding to this the fact that the officer in the photograph is an individual of middle age, it is more likely that the officer's rank is that of Major or Lt. Colonel. This would also be appropriate to the importance of the medal awarded. Later, a family member confirmed that the officer who presented the Silver Star was indeed a Lt. Colonel in the US Army.

Source: Dziennik dla Wszystkich, Monday, January 28, 1952; page 10