Nicholas L. Mazzola

In 1966, Nicholas L. Mazzola valiantly enlisted in the Marines. After completing his training, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he was put into the 3rd battalion 7th Marines 1st Marine division. While protecting our nation in the face of great danger, he was struck with a mortar round and gave his leg for his country. 

Among his awards and citations are the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and Combat Action. 

After his injury in 1967, Nick began visiting hospitals and spending time with other amputees. His good humor and fun character always put a smile on their faces, and he continues to make monthly visits to this day, with other members of his Amvets post to Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. 

Nick is proud to be a member of 8 different veterans organizations. He is very active in 4: Amvets John R. Tamburri Jr. Memorial Post, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans Post 421 and VFW North Shore Post. Nick’s work with Hearing Our Heroes, a student-run group that aims to thank veterans, has been pivotal - allowing them to build and expand their program. 

Aside from his devotion to the military, Nick has been involved in the community as a Eucharist Minister, Assistant Scout Master and Merit Badge Counselor, as well as a coach of softball and baseball at Great Kills Little League. 

Nick is a great American who exemplifies steadfast service and dedication to freedom. We admiringly thank him for all the sacrifices that he has made to protect our great country.