Jimmy
Obiedzenski
Marines
Middle Island

Zygmund Walter Obiedzenski was born on November 9th 1925, in
Huntington N.Y. He was the son of Joseph and Frances Obiedzenski.
Zygmund, or Jimmy as his friends called him moved from Huntington to
Middle Island New York. Jimmy was a popular and well-liked young man
in the Middle Island community. He was remembered, by many, for his
athleticism. Jimmy spent 8 years at Middle Island Primary School
and graduated. When Jimmy turned 17 years old he joined the United
States Marine Corps. On February 17th 1943 he enlisted and was sent
to a USMC training camp in Georgia. He left the continental US on
January 13th 1944 to be put into active duty in the South Pacific
serving with the 4th Marine Division. During the war Jimmy was
involved in the battles at Kwajalein, Saipan, Tinian, and the battle
of Iwo Jima. He also was part of the occupation force holding Japan.
During the war Jimmy had quite a few documented heroic
moments. One documented incident in which Private first class
Obiedzenski showed above and beyond heroics was on Saipan, on June
16th 1944. During enemy artillery and mortar fire, he voluntarily
assisted two others in extinguishing a fire in a vehicle and trailer
full of high explosives, which was hit by a Japanese shell. The
truck was with in 60 yards of a Division Command Post. Private
Obiedzenski threw sand on the fire despite frequent explosions from
the explosives and enemy shelling. He was instrumental in preventing
a huge explosion in a vital area. For this private first class
Obiedzenski was awarded the Bronze Medal, and promoted to Corporal.
Another documented incident was on March 1st 1945 during the
invasion of Iwo Jima. An enlisted man was drowning 30 yards off
shore, newly promoted to Corporal Jimmy Obiedzenski was about 50
yards from the beach when he heard his cries for aid, and swam out
to help the enlisted man. Although waves and currents were rough and
hazardous with a strong undertow he swam through it, putting himself
in danger and rescued the enlisted man returning him to safety.
Jimmy was awarded the Marine-Navy Corp Medal for this act of
heroism.
Overseas Jimmy qualified as a military police officer (M.P.)
and a demolition specialist. He was awarded the bronze star medal;
good conduct medal (marines), a World War II Victory medal, a Navy
Occupation Service medal (w/clasp) in the Asian campaign.
Presidential unit citation ribbon, navy unit commendation ribbon,
honorable service lapel pin, discharge button. Jimmy was awarded a
rifle marksman badge and was rated with a machine gun.
Jimmy Obiedzenski was honorably discharged from the United
States Marine Corps ending the Duration of his military service on
February 21st 1946 at Wailuku, Maui Hawaii. On August 10th 1946
Jimmy married Mary Louise Medeiros in Wailuku Maui. . He fathered
five children, three sons and two daughters who now live in
California and Hawaii.
Medals
Navy-Marine Corp Medal and Ribbon
Bronze Star and Ribbon with combat “V”
Good Conduct and Ribbon
Asiatic & Pacific Medal - 4 stars - & Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation with blue enamel star
Occupation of Japan WW II
Victory Medal WW II
American Campaign 1941 - 1945
Written by,
Michael Brooks
additional information provided by,
Mrs.
Louise Obiedzenski