Russell Michael Zgrabik
Corporal
C CO, 3RD BN, 39TH INFANTRY, 9TH INF DIV, USARV
Army of the United States
Cleveland, Ohio
September 14, 1946 to January 26, 1967
RUSSELL M ZGRABIK is on the Wall at Panel 14E, Line 84

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Russell M Zgrabik
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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
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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



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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