Raphael Louis Zengel
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Raphael Louis Zengel VC MM (November 11, 1894 - February 27, 1977) was an American-born Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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Zengel was born in Minnesota and moved to Canada at a young age. He was twenty three years old, and serving as a Sergeant of the 5th (Western Cavalry) Bn., Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when he performed the deed for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 August 1918 east of Warvillers, France, Sergeant Zengel was leading his platoon forward to the attack when he realised that an enemy machine-gun was firing into the advancing line. He rushed forward ahead of the platoon to the gun emplacement, killed the officer and operator of the gun and dispersed the crew. Later in the day he was rendered temporarily unconscious by an enemy shell but on recovering continued to direct harassing fire on the enemy. His utter disregard for personal safety and the confidence he inspired in all ranks greatly assisted in the successful outcome of the attack.
Although he remained an American citizen, Sergeant Zengel, also a holder of the Military Medal, served in a Canadian Regiment and is numbered amongst Canadian winners of the Victoria Cross. His headstone can be found at Pine Cemetery, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada.
