BIOGRAPHY

Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. (born July 13, 1949) is an American author, military

historian, keynote speaker, and college professor. He has worked as a

management consultant, aviation operations chief, and served as a command

historian with the United States Army. He is currently the President of the 28th

Infantry Division Association, teaches at a local college, and lectures on

World War II topics.

Early Life

Zapotoczny, hailing from Avonmore, Pennsylvania, a small town near

Pittsburgh, developed a keen interest in history during his childhood when he

learned about his parents' contributions in World War II. His father served in

General George S. Patton's 4th Armored Division and witnessed Nazi

concentration camps, while his mother, a local air raid warden, wrote letters to

service members without families. Immersed in books on the subject, the

young Zapotoczny's curiosity grew. He graduated from Kiski Area High School

in 1967, and after pursuing flight training and various jobs, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, serving for eight years. Active in his community, Zapotoczny served on the Avonmore Borough Council and chaired the Borough Planning Commission. In 1976, he volunteered as an issues coordinator for the Carter for President Campaign, contributing to President Carter's transition. Subsequently, he worked for Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania overseeing personnel and contractors involved in debris cleanup and coordinating heavy equipment operations after the July 1977 flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Career

Following his involvement in the cleanup efforts after the Johnstown flood, he was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. In 1980, Zapotoczny joined an international management consulting firm, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies across North America to design productivity improvement initiatives and draft procedure manuals. In 1986, he established his own consulting firm, specializing in the glass industry. With the decline of United States glass manufacturing in the early 1990s, he re-entered the Army National Guard, focusing on aviation operations. In 1993, he transitioned to active duty, maintaining his passion for aviation and history. Working in aviation operations, he progressed through the ranks attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. During his time at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major

Academy, he developed an interest in creative writing.

Before retiring from the U.S. Army in 2009, his final duty assignment was as the Command Historian of the 28th Infantry Division. Providing counsel to the division commander, he worked to ensure informed decision-making while preserving the division's legacy and managing the collection of historical material from combat operations. In this role, he traveled to World War I and World War II battlefields in Europe, memorials in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Egypt, and France, as well as several Nazi concentration camps in Germany.

Following his retirement, Walter and his wife, Bonnie, relocated to Baja California, Mexico. There, he took on the role of managing editor for the East Capers regional magazine, worked as a freelance writer for various

magazines, and taught creative writing. The couple embarked on extensive travels, exploring North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Europe. After spending four years in Mexico, they returned to the United States to pursue other interests.

Education

Walter completed his undergraduate studies at American Military University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in World Military History and a Master of Arts in Global History with a focus on English Composition and Writing. Continuing his academic journey, he attended Liberty University, where he attained a Doctorate in History, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic Communications. Additionally, Walter is a distinguished graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, the United States Army

Master Trainer Course, and the United States Army Battle Staff Course.

Conference Presentations

- Society of the 3rd Infantry Division Historical Conference, Alexandria, VA,

February 2025.

- Battle of the Bulge Conference, WWII American Experience,

Gettysburg, PA - January 2025.

- Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge Conference, Clervaux,

Luxembourg - December 2024.

- 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Army Expo'24, Army Heritage

and Education Center, Carlisle, PA - September 2024.

- Society of the 3rd Infantry Division Colmar Conference, French Embassy,

Washington, DC - February 2023.

- Central Pennsylvania Community College Academic Session,

Harrisburg, PA -| February 2023.

- Circle of Studies on the Study of the Battle of the Bulge Academic Session,

Marnach, Luxembourg - December 2022.

Affiliations​

- 28th Infantry Division Association

- Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge (CEBA), Luxembourg

- Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum

- United States Army Heritage and Education Center Foundation​

Personal Life

In 2001 Walter married Bonnie Zapotoczny, a former paramedic. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, and fishing and camping during the summer. Walter enjoys playing the piano and alpine skiing

during the winter.