Staff Sergeant John E. Thiel was born in Davenport, Iowa. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and completed the Chemical Staff Specialist Course as the honor graduate. He served two tours in Vietnam with the 26th Chemical Detachment and the 184th Chemical Platoon of the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile. Having been severely wounded during both tours, he was medically retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1971.

Staff Sergeant Thiel’s military awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star and the Honorable Order of the Dragon.

Utilizing the Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Staff Sergeant Thiel earned his Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) in 1974, Master of Business Administration in 1976 and became a Doctor of Business Administration in 1978. Dr. Thiel went on to teach at Indiana University, University of Tennessee and Butler and Indiana State University.

Today, Dr. Thiel has remained vigilant in becoming a steadfast contributor to the legacy and incredible history of the Chemical Corps by ensuring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. His avocation is now to develop and preserve the histories of the units in which he served in Vietnam.

Dr. Thiel resides in Indiana.