SAG HARBOR, NY, US
U. S. Army
1LT, TROOP B, 1ST SQD, 71ST CAV REGT, 1ST BCT, 10TH MTN DIV, FORT DRUM, NY
06/04/2010, HONDU KALACHEH, AFGHANISTAN
First Lieutenant Joseph Theinert was serving with his Platoon in Kandahar Province Shelter when his Platoon came under heavy fire and they were forced into an area mined with IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). Joseph was able to disarm one IED and was working on a second one when it exploded. He was able to warn the 20 men with him before the device went off. He was killed on June 4, 2010.
Lieutenant Theinert graduated from Valley Forge Military College. Joseph’s name will be placed in the Book of Remembrance along with the other 128 cadets of Valley Forge that have paid the highest price to be called an American. Two themes speak about Joseph Theinert. One is that Joe was a selfless hero and the other is simple but profound calling Joseph Theinert just a decent, hardworking, hard playing young man. His coach, and brother Billy and Jimbo acknowledge these descriptors of the guy with the big grin.
Lieutenant Theinert will rest on Shelter Island, New York. On the day of honoring him, the cool breeze fluttered the many flags saluting him. Uniformed military and police, a twenty-one gun salute, civilian friends and family, and police and Air National Guard helicopter flyovers announced the final resting of this Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient.
His family, the entire Valley Forge Community, and the surviving officers and men of Bravo Troop1-71CAV, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division will stand in continual honor and remembrance.