On Memorial Day, Remembering NCAA Wrestling’s 2X All-American Douglas Zembiec, Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for America

A day of remembrance. As America honors the nation’s fallen brave hearts, the wrestling community unites in sparing a thought for Douglas Zembiec, aka ‘the Lion of Fallujah.’ On May 11th, 2007, Douglas breathed his last in Baghdad, Iraq, after nearly 10 years of serving in the United States Marine Corps. However, the man also had a distinguished collegiate wrestling career behind him. Thus, Memorial Day has called for many to revisit the lionheart’s journey from sports to being a marine.

The Wrestling Room’s recent X post is a heartfelt tribute to Douglas and a medium for many to know more about his life and contributions. It takes us back in time, right from when he initially stepped onto the wrestling mats, to how he spiritedly served the nation and laid down his life for it.

Douglas Zembiec – A gallant hero who went down fighting

Displaying snippets from the three instrumental phases of the late wrestler’s life, the Wrestling Room’s post shows pictures of Doug from a wrestling bout, clad in the uniform, and a third with his wife and daughter. Moreover, representing the sentiment in words, it reads, ‘Today we remember “The Lion of Fallujah”, Doug Zembiec, and all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice…’ 

Listing the wrestler’s heroics, the caption continues by underscoring that Douglas was a 2X D1 All-American for Navy back in the mid-90s, following which he transitioned into being a Major in the US Marine Corps. It also describes the valor he showed when the zero hours ticked in. Apparently, Douglas’s death-or-glory moment arrived on May 11, 2007, where he “selflessly saved his men with a warning to ‘get down’ then gave his own life to defend his country.”

Keeping a stiff upper lip throughout, Doug exhibited a daredevil spirit, and a lot of that is believed to have come from him being a sportsperson. Thus, the caption maintained, “There is no doubt that his time on the mat helped shape him into the outstanding & fearless man that we honor!”

And that is indeed true. Douglas’s wrestling career was laden with achievements. As per the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame website, Zembiec attained his earliest wrestling feat in high school by being the first New Mexico State Champion to ever be in any sport. His collegiate resume was equally spectacular with a 95–21–1 record and a two-time NCAA All-American feather in his cap. And while some called him ‘The Snake’ for his signature anaconda-like hold, his coach Reginald Wicks considered Doug “the best-conditioned athlete” he had ever encountered. However, his life hit a turning point when he decided to enter the military.

The dawn of a new phase in Douglas’s life

Douglas entered the military in 1997 and consequently partook in operations that took place in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo on the calls of his duty. He initially graduated from the Naval Academy, after which he was directly appointed as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. A significant tenure of his career was also while he served at the Force Reconnaissance Company, at Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina, where he underwent various forms of training for he was still in the nascent stages.

Furthermore, his time in the military included serving at the Amphibious Reconnaissance School (ARS) located in Ft. Story, Virginia. And given that he spearheaded the Echo Company 2/1 during Operation Vigilant Resolve in 2004, he earned the title of the ‘Lion of Fallujah.’ Finally, another major peak in his career was serving in the CIA’s Special Activities Division Ground Branch. However, an enemy fire struck him during Operation Iraqi Freedom, ending his contributions to the nation.

Regardless, Douglas Zembiec’s legacy goes on to live in people’s minds. An extraordinary combination of spirit and strength, the man was a star on the wrestling mat and an absolute go-getter when he fought for his nation. And his sacrifice will forever be etched and valued in American history.