oaquin Zamora was born on May 23, 1936 in Baracoa, Cuba to Pedro and Aurora (Oliveros) Zamora. He passed away on October 21, 2016 at James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida at the age of 80. Joaquin was a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran.
Family
Joaquin Zamora is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Amira (Barrias) Zamora. Additionally Joaquin is survived by daughters Yasue Merrow, Amy Walker, Marina Zamora and Marisol Zamora; sister Marina and seven grandchildren.
Military History and Awards
Staff Sergeant Zamora enlisted in the United States Army on June 13, 1960 at the age of 24. SSG Zamora served for 10 years in the Army including his time spent fighting in Vietnam. He was medically retired from Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. in July of 1970 as a result of the wounds he received during Vietnam. Aside from being an Army Ranger during Vietnam he also served as a Drill Sergeant.
Most of his acts of heroism and valor were kept to himself according to his family. His daughter Marina commented,
“It just wasn’t something he talked about.”
During Vietnam SSG Zamora received the Silver Star, Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. The Silver Star is issued to members of the Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. The Air Medal is issued for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight and the Purple Heart is given to those who were killed or wounded in action.
In addition to the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, and the Air Medal, Joaquin was also eligible to wear the Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as his designation as an Army Ranger and his Jungle Expert Badge.
Joaquin received his Jungle Expert Badge after successful completion of the Jungle Operations Training Course where he received training in areas such as jungle survival, navigation, communication, and waterborne operations.
Purple Heart Story
Joaquin Zamora did tell his daughter Marina that one of his Purple Hearts was received as a result of an enemy grenade exploding practically in his face while in combat. According to Marina,
“While he was being evacuated by medical personnel on the hospital ship he was given his last rites because everyone was certain that he would not survive his wounds.”
The wounds to his face were so severe that he wasn’t able to return to service and he was medically discharged in 1970. After his career in the Army Joaquin continued to serve his country as a Postal Clerk at the Post Office for many years.
Military Honors
A military funeral to honor the life of Joaquin Zamora is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 11:00 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Sumter County Honor Guard.
Special Acknowledgments
The Zamora family would like to thank the staff at James A. Haley VA Medical Center for the outstanding care they provided Joaquin during the final days of his life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Purple Heart Foundation.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Hi Yasue, My love to you and your dear family. God Bless yall. love, jenny
We were saddened to hear of Joaquin’s passing! He was a friend and a great soldier! Amira, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace, Joaquin!
He was a prince of a man. My brother-in-law who was very carrying and kind. He enjoyed life to the fullest and never once complained about the wounds he received or the experience he endured while in Vietnam. I will miss him dearly.
A great man and wonderful human being! He Taught me so many life lessons as a young man. I havent seen him in 20 years and still think about him all the time. He will be missed dearly.
Working with Joaquin was one of the highlights of my career. A friend and a mentor…professional all the way!!! You will be missed my friend…RIP!!!
To all that knew him, we knew he was special. He was a simple man that didn’t talk of the past. But we all knew that he was different a special person that you do not meet every day. Of all the memories of Panama. I had always would wonder how Mr Zamora was doing. RIP my friend, we lost a very special person. I also remember he always had a frog nearby, does anybody know the significance of the frogs. I never asked.
Papi,
Ya van dos años largos sin usted. Solo quería decirle que lo extraño tanto, tanto y doy gracias a Dios que fue mi papá. Hasta la próxima mi viejo bello. Lo quiero mucho.
I had been looking for Joaquin for many years. I was one of the Medics on the scene when he was wounded on July 24, 1968. Although wounded myself, I was able to administer aid to him and stop the bleeding with a pressure bandage. Because of continuing enemy attacks, it took 2 1/2 days until Joaquin, myself, and another Soldier name Hill could be evacuated by helicopter. Very sad that I was unable to find him before he passed. I spend 2 months in The Villages in Florida, during February and March, and intend to visit his resting place in Bushnell. Anyone who wishes to know more of the circumstances of his being wounded may contact me by email at stevebird2@comcast.net. He was a fine Soldier and highly respected by those of us who served with him in the 2nd Platoon of B Co. 2/8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.
Ya 7 años y no pasa un dia que no este en mi mente. Como se le extraña. Espero un dia vernos otra vez mi viejo bello.