Biography

Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. (born July 13, 1949) is an American freelance writer and historian with over 35 years of experience producing many different types of copy. His book For the Fatherland won an award from the Military Writer's Society of America in 2010. Walter has published over 150 articles, numerous books and procedure manuals for clients. A former historian with the U.S. Army, his specialization is military history, Holocaust studies and events that transcend single states, regions and cultures. 

Early life

Walter was born and raised in Avonmore, Pennsylvania, USA, a small town near Pittsburgh. His interest in World War II history began as a child after he discovered what his parents did during World War II. His father served in General George S. Patton's 4th Armored Division and encountered several Nazi concentration camps. His mother wrote letters to service members who had no family while serving as a local air raid warden. The young Zapotoczny watched every World War II movie on television and read as many books on the subject as he could get his hands on.

Career

After high school and several jobs, he joined the Army National Guard and served for eight years. Zapotoczny worked for the Carter for President Campaign and in 1980 an international management consulting firm, starting his own consulting company in 1986. He re-enlisted in the Army National Guard and went on active duty in 1993. Rising through the ranks, Zapotoczny achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. He never lost his love of history and developed an interest in creative writing while attending the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. Walter visited World War I and World War II battlefields and memorials in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Egypt, and France and several Nazi concentration camps. His last duty assignment, before retiring in 2009, was the Command Historian of the 28th Infantry Division. 

After leaving the U.S. Army, Walter and his wife moved to Baja California where he worked as the managing editor of a regional magazine, freelance writer for several magazines and creative writing instructor. He and his wife have traveled extensively throughout North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Europe. 

After four years in Mexico, they moved back to the United States.  Walter is currently working on several books while teaching history at a local college. During the winter, he also works as a professional alpine ski patroller. 

Education

Walter is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in world military history and a Master of Arts with honors in global history, together with emphasis in English composition and writing from American Public University.