Richard Frederick Zinn

Richard Frederick Zinn, age 84, of Ocean Springs passed away on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at the Biloxi VA. He was a true hero of the World War II era. He served as a replacement troop following the D-Day invasion. His training was in heavy weapons, machine gunner. His primary battles were fought in France around the Mozelle River, Metz and the Battle of the Bulge with General Patton's Army. He was honorably discharged as a PFC and spent many months in military and veterans administration hospitals. The following are a few of the decorations he earned in battle: Silver Star, Bronze Star (2 awards) (with V device for combat operations), Purple Heart (2 awards) (for wounds sustained in combat) and the Combat Infantryman Badge (his proudest award). And if that were not enough, he was also awarded the French Liberation Award called the "French Fourageres for the Croix de Guerre." There were only 101 of these awards given for the Battle of Metz; Mr. Zinn was awarded one of them. Mr. Zinn was a Sheriff of Calhoun County, Michigan from 1964-1968, a member of D.A.V., American Legion Post #42 of Ocean Springs and the Order of the Purple Heart. After moving to Biloxi/Ocean Springs, he was a sous chef for several restaurants on the coast including Salvetti Bros. and Isle of Capri. Survivors include a son Mark Zinn and his wife Nadine of Jackson, MI; four grandchildren, Karen (Robert) Jenks of Grasslake, MI, Michael Zinn of Carlsbad, CA, Alison Zinn and Jill Zinn both of Jackson, MI along with three great-grandchildren, Kaleb Margaret and Madeline. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29. 2007 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 30. 2007 in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Biloxi National Cemetery.