Bio: Zink, Robert – PFC (Bronze Start – 1968)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Zink, Biser

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 21 Nov 1968

A former Abbotsford man, who was killed in Vietnam June 19, 1968, has been awarded the bronze star medal for heroism in action.

PFC Robert Zink, an army medic, died while trying to reach wounded comrades.

He was the son of Mrs. Catherine Zink and the late Herman Zink, former Abbotsford resident now living in New York City.

The presentation of the medal was made Saturday at the army reserve center at Stevens Point, with PFC Zink's sister, Mrs. Kenneth Biser, receiving the medal.

He also received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.

A graduate of Pacelli High Schooll at Stevens Point, PFC Zink entered the army less than a year before his death. He was serving with the headquarters company 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.

According to the citation, death occurred when he tried to aid wounded companions. Helicopters landed in an enemy infested area and as troops embarked, they came under heavy fire and were unable to seek good cover.

PFC Zink, the platoon medic, on hearing men crying out for help, tried to maneuver to his wounded comrades. As he advanced, firing his pistol into the enemy position, he was mortally wounded.

Zink spent his early boyhood at Abbotsford. The family moved to Steven Posint about nine years ago, after the death of his father.