Honor Mission
Thomas Wallimann
USMC, WWII Veteran
Schenectady, New York - 22 Aug 2017
Thomas Wallimann
USMC, WWII Veteran
Schenectady, New York - 22 Aug 2017
ABOUT THE MISSION:
The family of Thomas Wallimann has requested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Wallimann, 95, died Wednesday, August 16, 2017.
Tom was born in Schenectady and was a WW II United States Marine Corps veteran who flew 70 combat missions in the South Pacific. He was assigned to a USMC medium bomber squadron, VMB-423, dubbed the “Seahorse Marines” and flew B-25 bombers (renamed PBJ’s) as a radio operator and gunner. While 173 men and 45 PBJs were lost in the Pacific campaign, few people today are even aware that Marines flew this bomber in World War II. For his service, Tom was awarded three Distinguished Flying Cross’ , eleven Air Medals and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After the war, Tom graduated from Siena College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He was a transportation agent for the Ford Motor Company in Green Island for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He was the recipient of two Suggestion Awards during his career with Ford, a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, and a member of the VFW in Saratoga.
The Patriot Guard Riders are honored to have the opportunity to stand for and render dignity, honor and respect for the life and service of Mr. Thomas Wallimann, proud United States Marine and “Greatest Generation” hero.
Tom was born in Schenectady and was a WW II United States Marine Corps veteran who flew 70 combat missions in the South Pacific. He was assigned to a USMC medium bomber squadron, VMB-423, dubbed the “Seahorse Marines” and flew B-25 bombers (renamed PBJ’s) as a radio operator and gunner. While 173 men and 45 PBJs were lost in the Pacific campaign, few people today are even aware that Marines flew this bomber in World War II. For his service, Tom was awarded three Distinguished Flying Cross’ , eleven Air Medals and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After the war, Tom graduated from Siena College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He was a transportation agent for the Ford Motor Company in Green Island for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He was the recipient of two Suggestion Awards during his career with Ford, a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady, and a member of the VFW in Saratoga.
The Patriot Guard Riders are honored to have the opportunity to stand for and render dignity, honor and respect for the life and service of Mr. Thomas Wallimann, proud United States Marine and “Greatest Generation” hero.
PRIMARY STAGING DETAILS: 22 Aug 2017
Primary Staging Time: 10:15 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist RC Church
806 Union St.
Schenectady, New York - 12308
806 Union St.
Schenectady, New York - 12308
Ride Captain:
Paul Orzolek
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Special Instructions:
Staging directly at the church for an 11:00 AM service. PGR members will form a flag line for the arrival of family. There will be a dignified transfer both prior to and after Mass of Christian Burial. Following services, PGR will escort to:
Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery
2501 Troy Schenectady Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12309
Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery
2501 Troy Schenectady Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12309
Flags & Water:
Flags Will NOT Be Provided, Please Bring Your Own.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.
Submitted By: Ray Sestak
Position: Assistant State Captain
