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SPC Nicholaus E. Zimmer
July 23, 1983 - May 30, 2004 SPC Nicholaus E. Zimmer died in Kufa, Iraq when his vehicle came under attack by rocket propelled grenades. He was assigned to the 2nd battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedburg, Germany. Nicholaus was born to Gino and Lisa Zimmer of Galion, Ohio. Gino stated on the portrait request form, “He was our only child and we miss him.” I read a great deal about Nick on a site called Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I will share parts of some of the many comments made by friends and Army brothers and sisters. “I knew Nick throughout high school……he had a sense of style like nobody else, and a sense of humor to match. He was so proud to tell us that he had joined the Army…….When I heard about Nick I cried, when I went to his funeral I cried, and when I went to see his picture at Arlington National Cemetery I cried. I cried for him, his family, other fallen soldiers and all of their families. Nick gave his life to help make other people’s lives better…….he will never be forgotten for he was far too special.” “No other soldier exemplified courage like he did. Even after coming back from very long and tough missions, Zimmer would always cheer you up in a way that only he could. We would sit there late at night playing the guitar and for a few hours forget that we were in harms way…..” Words from Nick’s company commander: “Nick was a super soldier and had a priceless sense of humor in a place where that came at a premium. Nick always had a great way of identifying with other soldiers and making the best of rough situations. As a soldier he was decorated twice for bravery in battle and never forgot his duty to his fellow troops. He fought very courageously for two months prior to falling on May 30th, 2004…….” From reading these many comments I see that Nicholaus despite his young age was one of the most verbally expressive soldiers. He more than anyone else in the company helped verbalize the sense of loss when they lost their first man, Sergeant Mike Mitchell. Nick was described as brilliant in that respect, and a terrific soldier. It was my honor to paint this remarkable young man. Portrait sponsored by: |