Mr. Zayachkowski describes the types of wounds he dealt with, stopping bleeding as a first responder’s top priority, and visiting those he’d saved in hospitals on his rest days.
A Headstrong Officer Dies
Mr. Zayachkowski describes the death of an officer, fresh on the front, who doesn’t heed experienced advice.
A Coincidental Reunion
Mr. Zayachkowski describes going to his son’s church and meeting the pastor, a soldier he’d saved during his wartime service in North Africa.
Spared by a German soldier
Mr. Zayachkowski describes being knocked out instead of shot by a German soldier, as he was searching for wounded Canadians in an abandoned house.
Nearly Drowned While Sleeping
Mr. Zayachkowski discusses the difficulty of survival in the muddy conditions around Ortona.
Saved by the Italian Underground
Mr. Zayachkowski describes being trapped behind enemy lines, and being hidden and protected by Italian sympathizers for six months.
Barrels of German Whisky
Mr. Zayachkowski describes breaking open a cache of German whisky to celebrate the end of the war.
Remembrance Day Importance to Youth
Mr. Zayachkowski reflects on the recent increase of interest in Remembrance Day, and offers some thoughts on those veterans who are no longer alive.