Honor Mission
Walter J. Theisen
US Army
WWII Veteran
Former POW
Multi-City, NY - 11/22/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of World War II POW veteran Walter J. Theisen has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in honoring his extraordinary life and service. Mr. Theisen of Depew, NY passed away on 13 November 2023 at the age of 99.
Mr. Theisen served our nation for 2 years, 4 months on active duty in the US Army from August 1943-December 1946. He served 10 months of foreign duty in the European Theater of Operations as a light machine gunner from August 1944-June 1945, and he participated in the following campaigns: Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland. On November 13, 1944 Mr. Theisen was captured by German forces, and was imprisoned for 6 months, first at Stalag 12A, Limburg, Germany, then moved to Stalag IIA at Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg until liberated by American forces on 8 May 1945. Following his return to the States, Mr. Theisen served as a Basic Infantry Instructor with Company A, 30th Infantry Training Battalion. He was honorably discharged on 6 December 1945 with the rank of Sergeant, and he earned the following awards: Prisoner of War Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Easter Campaign Medal with 3 Battle Stars; WW-II Victory Medal; and WW-II Honorable Discharge Button.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
11/22/2023 at 10:00 am
Staging Location:
Queen of Martyrs RC Church
180 George Urban Blvd.
Buffalo, NY 14225
Click here for map
Acting Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Tom Johnston
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
PGRNY member Tom Johnston will lead this Mission in honor of his longtime neighbor.
PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of the family and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM, followed by the dignified transfer and escort to St. Matthews Cemetery, 180 French Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224 for burial with Military Honors.
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Army flag, dress for the weather, and ensure your large flags are securely attached.
Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the WW-II POW service of Walter J. Theisen, and to support his proud and loving family.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
No
Submitted by:
Don Higgins, SRC, Region-1
BM - 11/17; MER
