Walter Kaczmarek

Walter Kaczmarek enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps in June 1967 and served for nearly two years as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, including a tour in Vietnam where he was awarded two Purple Hearts.

Kaczmarek was first wounded in February 1968 when he was struck by fragments from a grenade. Just three months later, Kaczmarek was critically wounded by an 82mm mortar round. The blast hit him in the back left shoulder, smashing his shoulder blade and breaking three ribs.

Along with his two Purple Hearts, Corporal Kaczmarek was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star with Valor, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 battle stars.

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Walter Kaczmarek represent his fellow Purple Heart heroes from New Jersey during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.