PFC. John David "Jay" Zaitz
United States Army 157th Infantry Regiment
from:Pueblo, CO
John Zaitz, was born on the 14th of December 1911, was one of seven children, raised by his mother Frances, after the death of his father in the 1918 Flu epidemic. By trade John was a broom maker, in Pueblo Colorado, and considered amiable and well-liked. He passed away in 1979, leaving no spouse or children.
John was Inducted on the 21st of January 1941 and Discharged on 27th of August 1945. According to his military records we have indicated the following information,
Per General Order #14, 157th Infantry Regiment dated November 15, 1922 John was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge effective January 1,1944, page 20 (image 6014). He is listed as a former member of this organization. In G.O. # 5, 157th Infantry Regiment, dated 8 July 1944, listed as MIA, effective 1 January 1944, page 6 (image 6091). Then, in G.O. #5 Extract, also dated 8 July 1944, he is awarded the CIB with his status listed as MIA, page 6 (image 6126). This extract describes all the men as formerly of this organization. John spoke very little about his experiences during the war, but did offer some short stories with very little detail. Records for the 157th (45th Div) show that they arrived in Africa January 22, 1943, they next assaulted Scoglitti Sicily July 9-11 1943, and Salerno, Italy September 9, 1943.
John related one story without saying where it took place, but was pleased with the outcome. He had been order to station himself on a hillside that overlooked a road. He had been supplied with a bazooka and told that a German tank was reported to be headed in his direction. His orders were to stop the tank. He said he spent several hours with the bazooka in his hands praying that the Panzer would never appear. His prayers were answered and he was relieved by another soldier.
During the landing at Anzio, in January 1944 John's landing craft was turned over in the surf many of the soldiers with him were drowned. John shed rifle, ammo belt and field pack which allowed him to make it to the surface. He retrieved an Italian made rifle which he used until he could rearm.
While looking down on the Town of Anzio from a hill he could see the shells coming in overhead. During some shelling he took cover behind a stone wall. A shell landed on the other side of the wall and a large stone from the wall fell hitting Jay on the helmet and sliding down his back leaving scrapes. His buddies talked him into going to the aid station so he could receive a purple heart. When he arrived there he saw the wounds that others had suffered and turned around and went back to his unit. He said he didn't deserve any medals.
While searching a farm, John came upon a barn with a chicken and eggs. He stashed the eggs and came back for them later with friends. While this group of GIs huddled around in anticipation of fried eggs Jay opened the eggs and they contained dead chicks which had become spoiled.
During the battle of Anzio, John's group was moving up a ravine or ditch. He said the men in front of him stood up and raise their hands. When he looked up he found they were surrounded by Germans, and were taken prisoner. General Order 5, 157th Infantry Regiment, dated 8th of July 1944, lists John as missing in action, effective 1st of January 1944. This must be a general use for the date as the division assault on Anzio took place on 22nd of January 21944. In General Order 5 Extract, also dated 8th of July 1944, he is awarded the CIB with his status listed as Missing in Action.
