Louis Zayas

Louis Zayas was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1965 and for the next two years. While serving as a helicopter door gunner escorting other troops into a hot Landing Zone in Vietnam, Zayas’ unit came under heavy fire. During the firefight he was struck in the thigh from an explosion.

Along with his Purple Heart, SGT Zayas was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the four Air Medals with “V” device, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and more.

U.S. Army Sergeant (SGT) Louis Zayas represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Georgia’s honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.