Compass Points -- Major Zembiec
Lessons from the Lion of Fallujah
Compass Points -- Major Zembiec
Lessons from the Lion of Fallujah
January 14, 2024
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Good news. Recently, Marine Corps public affairs issued a statement that the Commandant Eric Smith has completed successful heart surgery and is now recuperating. Compass Points joins with the entire Marine community in wishing the Commandant a rapid return to health.
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In other good news, Compass Points readers continue to send in wonderful tips and stories about leadership. John D. Holdstein Colonel, USMC (Ret) sent in some leadership principles penned by Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec.
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On April 27, 2021, Major Zembiec, the "Lion of Fallujah" was featured in an article in DOD News.
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Douglas Alexander Zembiec, born April 14, 1973, in Kealakekua, Hawaii, was blessed with athletic ability and drive . . . After graduation from the [US Naval] Academy on May 31, 1995, Zembiec was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. In 1996, Zembiec was a rifle platoon commander with B Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. A year later, he joined 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, where for almost 3 years he was a platoon commander, operations officer, and company commander. Zembiec's rifle platoon was among the first special operations forces to enter Kosovo during Operation Joint Guardian in June 1999.
In July 2003, he took command of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Zembiec earned the nickname the Lion of Fallujah as a result of his heroic actions commanding E Company during Operation Vigilant Resolve in 2004 in Iraq, leading the assault into the city of Fallujah . . . As a result of that epic battle, Zembiec earned the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Heart medals.
In 2005, Zembiec was promoted to major. Shortly after that, he separated from the Marine Corps and joined the Central Intelligence Agency's Special Activities Division in Iraq. On May 11, 2007, he was killed by enemy small-arms fire while leading a raid in Baghdad.
-- By David Vergun, DOD News
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Colonel Holdstein discusses Major Zembiec's views on leadership:
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Major Zembiec wrote these words, structured his life around them, and practiced them everyday of his short life. — John Holdstein
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1. Be a Man of Principle.
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2. Fight for what you believe in.
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3. Keep your Word.
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4. Live with Integrity.
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5. Be Brave.
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6. Believe in something bigger than yourself.
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7. Serve your Country.
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8. Teach.
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9. Mentor.
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10. Give something back to society.
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11. Lead from the front.
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12. Conquer your fears.
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13. Be a good friend.
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14. Be humble and self-confident.
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15. Appreciate your family and friends.
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16. Be a leader and not a follower.
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17. Be valorous on the battlefield.
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18. Take responsibility for your actions.
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-- Major Zembiec, as quoted by Colonel Holdstein
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Compass Points thanks Colonel Holdstein for the words of Major Zembiec. The Marine Corps is facing substantial challenges today. Still, the future is bright because the Marine Corps has always been blessed with people like Major Zembiec. It is the courage and determination of Marines of every rank and MOS who -- no matter how great the obstacle -- always give the Marine Corps the strength to endure, overcome, and win.
Outstanding leadership words to follow! Semper Fidelis Major Zembiec! RIP, warrior!