​Dr. Walter S. Zapotoczny Jr. is an experienced keynote speaker whose work bridges rigorous scholarship, international field research, and compelling narrative. His presentations examine military history, leadership under pressure, and the human dimension of combat, engaging audiences across academic, military, and public history settings. Each keynote is carefully tailored to the objectives of the host organization, whether the focus is leadership development, historical insight, remembrance, or strategic reflection.

Selected Speaking Engagements
Dr. Zapotoczny regularly delivers keynote and featured presentations for military, academic, and public history audiences in the United States and Europe.

• Keynote Speaker - Battle of the Bulge Association Annual Reunion, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Keynote Lecturer - Army Expo ’24, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
• International Presenter - Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge Conference, Clervaux, Luxembourg.
• Featured Speaker - WWII American Experience Battle of the Bulge Conference on the 28th Infantry Division in Europe, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
• Guest Lecturer - Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, French Embassy, Washington, D.C.
• Featured Speaker - 28th Infantry Division Association, national commemorative programs.
• Invited Presenter - Historical Society Programs on World War II, Military Leadership and Commemoration in World War II.
• Guest Lecturer (Invited) - Catholic University of Milan, Italy - Upcoming.

Academic & Educational Engagements

As a professor and published historian, Dr. Zapotoczny brings clarity and depth to complex historical subjects. His academic engagements are well suited for universities, colleges, faculty development programs, and continuing education audiences. Lecture topics frequently include:

• World War II Operational and Campaign History - Tactical and operational analysis of major European and Pacific naval campaigns, emphasizing decision-making, terrain, logistics, and coalition warfare.
• The Battle of the Bulge and the Western Front - In-depth examinations of the Ardennes Offensive, the Hürtgen Forest, and the Colmar Pocket, with particular focus on the 28th Infantry Division and U.S. Army resilience under extreme conditions.
• Leadership, Morale, and Endurance in Combat - Case studies exploring command decisions, small-unit leadership, faith, cohesion, and psychological endurance in prolonged and high-casualty combat environments.
• Atrocity, Ideology, and Moral Breakdown in War - Comparative analysis of wartime atrocities, including Eastern European deportations to Auschwitz, Einsatzgruppen violence, Japanese Imperial Army crimes, and the conditions under which soldiers cross moral boundaries.
• The Holocaust in Eastern Europe - Focused studies on collaboration, deportation systems, and local actors in Nazi-occupied Europe, with particular attention to Slovakia and the role of paramilitary organizations.
• Ethics, Memory, and Historical Responsibility - How historians interpret violence, responsibility, and remembrance the challenges of public history, commemoration, and contested narratives.
• Comparative Military Cultures and Coalition Warfare - U.S., German, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican forces in World War II, examining doctrine, culture, adaptability, and alliance dynamics.

Military & Veterans Organizations

Dr. Zapotoczny has extensive experience working with military associations and veterans’ organizations. His presentations balance operational analysis with respect for service and sacrifice, offering historically grounded insight that resonates with military audiences. His long-standing research focus and leadership within divisional associations ensure authenticity, professionalism, and relevance.

Consulting & Advisory Services

In addition to speaking engagements, Dr. Zapotoczny is the founder and principal of a consulting firm providing high-level consulting and advisory services to organizations and projects requiring expertise and strategic insight. His work has included engagements with companies, media producers, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Consulting services encompass historical research and verification, documentary and media advisory support, battlefield and operational studies, and the development of historically grounded case studies. Clients benefit from decades of scholarship, extensive international field research, and a proven ability to translate complex historical analysis into clear, actionable understanding for contemporary decision-making.

• Historical Consultant - European battlefield research and preservation projects (Germany, Luxembourg, France, Belgium).
• Consultant and Research Partner - European historical societies and military study groups.
• Management Consultant - Strategic consulting services to a diverse portfolio of clients throughout North America.

Booking & Inquiries
Dr. Zapotoczny is available for keynote addresses, lectures, consulting projects, and international engagements. To discuss availability, topics, and organizational needs, please use the contact form. Fees available upon request.