PFC Aloysius L. Zonca

The grave of PFC Aloysius Zonca

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

U.S. Army Medic who was killed in action in Korea

Place of Birth:

Lansford, Pennsylvania

Date of Birth:

June 11, 1927

Place of Death:

South Korea

Date of Death:

July 20, 1950

Place of Burial:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Cemetery Name:

Gettysburg National Cemetery

Section 2, Row 4, Grave 50

Many Americans who fought in Korea had served during World War II, just five years prior to the start of the Korean War. In the case of Aloysius Louis Zonca, some had wanted to serve in World War II but could not. For Aloysius, Korea was a second chance at service, one that would ultimately cost him his life.

Born on June 11, 1927, Aloysius was a native of Lansford, PA. He was one of seven children born to John and Mary Zonca. His parents were immigrants from Eastern Europe, and his father, John, worked as a repairman for the local power company.

During the Second World War, Aloysius sought to enlisted and serve his country in uniform. He was rejected, however, due to a physical defect in his heel. He approached every branch he could, seeking to serve in the Army, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Marines. He was not able to join any of them.

By 1948, with American armed forces drawing down in size after World War II, Aloysius was finally accepted into the U.S. Army. He went across the Pacific and was stationed in Japan on occupation duty with U.S. forces. Two years later, on June 24, 1950, North Korean troops invaded southward and sparked the Korean War, Aloysius was among the closest American forces to the growing conflict. After his previous rejection for service, Aloysius now found himself on the front lines of a growing war zone. The Pottsville Republican, a local newspaper, noted Aloysius was “proving to his country and himself that he was a good soldier.”

Aloysius was a medic with the 34^th Infantry, 24^th Infantry Division. His unit arrived in Korea on July 3, just days after the fighting had begun. Several weeks after their arrival, on July 20, the 34^th Regiment was caught up in defending against a major North Korean offensive near Taejon. Their division commander, General William F. Dean, Sr., was wounded and separated from the rest of his command. He became the highest-ranking POW during the Korea War, ultimately receiving the Medal of Honor for his leadership, bravery, and service.

During the fighting around Taejon, as men of the 34^th Infantry were searching for General Dean, one soldier came across the body of PFC Zonca, who was killed in action on July 20. It is not known exactly how Zonca was killed, but his death was part of the broader effort by U.S. forces to stop the North Korean advance in the early weeks of the Korean War.

In announcing Zonca’s death, the Pottsville Republican noted, “Six years ago every branch of the armed forces told a patriotic young Lansford boy that he was physically unfit for military duty. Today that same youth lies buried in the rocky soil of a Korean battle ground…. PFC Zonca gave his life there, proving to his country and himself that he was a good soldier.”

After an initial burial in Korea, Aloysius’s remains were brought home in October 1951. His family chose to have him buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery.