​Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. is an American author, military historian, keynote speaker, and consultant whose work has illuminated the experiences of the U.S. Army’s 28th Infantry Division in World War II and the broader lessons of military history. His books, lectures, and published research draw on decades of firsthand exploration of battlefields, memorials, and archival collections across Europe and the United States. His writing has appeared in Army Aviation, World War II History, World War II Quarterly, Destino, Pennsylvania Guardians, East Capers, Warfare History Network, Media Mikes, Military History Online, Shalom Adventure, National Guard Bureau News, and World Book Encyclopedia, reaching both scholarly and general audiences interested in the human dimensions of war, leadership, perseverance, and the human experience. A selection of his

publications and citations can be found on Google Scholar.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Zapotoczny served in aviation operations and later as Command Historian for the 28th Infantry Division. In this role, he advised senior commanders, preserved the division’s historical legacy, and guided the collection and interpretation of historical material from both contemporary operations and past conflicts. His extensive travels have taken him to World War I and World War II battlefields and memorials in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, France, and Egypt, as well as several former Nazi concentration camps -experiences that continue to shape his research, teaching, and public lectures. Born in Avonmore, Pennsylvania, to parents who both served during World War II, he developed a lifelong commitment to history and service at an early age.

Zapotoczny holds a Ph.D. in History, a Master of Arts in Global History, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Communications, and a Bachelor of Arts in World Military History. He is also a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He currently serves as President of the 28th Infantry Division Association, teaches part-time at the college level, and lectures internationally on World War II and military history.

Through his scholarship, writing, and public engagement, Dr. Zapotoczny works to ensure that the stories of courage, faith, and perseverance from the past remain vivid and meaningful for future generations.