World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Faribault, United States, he was very young, when he and his mother moved from the United States to a homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada. He served as a Sergeant in the 5th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces. On August 9, 1918, Sergeant Zengel was leading his platoon forward during a massive Allied offensive against the German lines around Amiens, France. During this action, he noticed a gap on the flank of his platoon and an enemy machine gun firing on the advancing on his unit at close range. He quickly decided to deal with the machine gun position himself, rushing 200 meters ahead of his platoon, he charged the German emplacement, killing two of the machine gun's crew and compelling the rest to flee. Later that day, when the progress of the 5th Battalion was blocked by heavy machine gun fire, he directed the fire of his platoon to eliminate the enemy resistance. For courage, leadership and the inspiration of his men, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died at age 82 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Also the lake in northeastern Saskatchewan, is named Zengle Lake in his honor.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born in Faribault, United States, he was very young, when he and his mother moved from the United States to a homestead in Saskatchewan, Canada. He served as a Sergeant in the 5th Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Forces. On August 9, 1918, Sergeant Zengel was leading his platoon forward during a massive Allied offensive against the German lines around Amiens, France. During this action, he noticed a gap on the flank of his platoon and an enemy machine gun firing on the advancing on his unit at close range. He quickly decided to deal with the machine gun position himself, rushing 200 meters ahead of his platoon, he charged the German emplacement, killing two of the machine gun's crew and compelling the rest to flee. Later that day, when the progress of the 5th Battalion was blocked by heavy machine gun fire, he directed the fire of his platoon to eliminate the enemy resistance. For courage, leadership and the inspiration of his men, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He died at age 82 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Also the lake in northeastern Saskatchewan, is named Zengle Lake in his honor.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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