11 Jun 2002 Russell Zgrabik was one of the "big guys" but he always made sure us littler and younger ones were not bullied. Russell had a moped motorcycle that he ran his paper route with. I was 13 when the news hit our little community of his death. Russell, your mom, dad, and sister were devastated. You looked so strong, and brave, at your funeral. Your mom died a few years later, followed by your dad. Your sister Lois died (about age 26), so there are no more Zgrabiks anymore. Driving past your old home, just, well, lets me never forget you. You are also on the memorial in front of town hall. Wish I could have gotten to know you. From the "little kid" down the road, thank you. Carl 11 Jul 2006 Hi, Russell. I found your gravesite last weekend. Doesn't look like you've had a visitor in quite a while. I cleaned it up and also left you a Bud Lite. I know you're still 20, but we'll keep it between you and me. I'm troubled. You had playmates, classmates, buddies, girlfriends, teachers, co-workers, bosses, and comrades in arms. No one has added to your memorial. Sad. I won't forget. Thank you for your sacrifice. From a neighbor kid, Carl webuyleasehouses@aol.com THE DASH I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning to the end He noted that first came her date of her birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not how much we own; The cars, the house, the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy is being read With your life's actions to rehash Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash? Copyright 1996 Linda Ellis Linda's lyrics (Link invalid)

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall C Company, 3/39th Infantry, lost five men during the period 23-26 January 1967, all to enemy gunfire. Four were killed out-right; the fifth, Corporal Zgrabik, died of wounds. While The Virtual Wall cannot positively associate Corporal Zgrabik with the 23 or 25 Jan incidents, it seems likely that he was wounded on one of those days. The other four men were 2LT Billy W. Flynn, Greensboro, NC (01/23/1967) SSG Jerome Conner, Memphis, TN (01/25/1967) CPL Arthur E. Donovan, South Ozone Park, NY (01/25/1967) SFC Archie M. Ellyson, Richwood, WV (01/25/1967) The following e-mail has been received: From: "Doug Pratt" To: Webmaster@VirtualWall.org Subject: Corporal Russell Zgrabik - 39th Inf. - Comments on "A Note from The Virtual Wall" Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 Good Morning; Your note says that you cannot positively associate Corpoaral Zgrabik's death with wounds received in action on January 23-26. I would like to help. I was one of the Medics in C Company at that time. Russell was wounded in that action on January 25 and later died in transit to the hospital or at the hospital. Of the 5 men you mention Art Donovan is the only one I don't have a clear memory of. Regards, Doug Pratt

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