'It's time to do my part.' Stark County Veteran of the Year recalls service in Vietnam

Steven M. Grazier
Updated ·3 min read
William "Bill" Theiss, 77, has been tapped as the Stark County Veteran of the Year by the Greater Canton Veterans Council. Theiss, who resides in Jackson Township, is a former U.S. Army captain who served from 1966 to 1970, including two overseas tours in the Vietnam War.
William "Bill" Theiss, 77, has been tapped as the Stark County Veteran of the Year by the Greater Canton Veterans Council. Theiss, who resides in Jackson Township, is a former U.S. Army captain who served from 1966 to 1970, including two overseas tours in the Vietnam War.

CANTON – William "Bill" Theiss remembers clearly the day 57 years ago when he got his military draft notice.

He was 20 years old when he came home, and his mother, Margaret, handed him a letter from the U.S. government.

She was like, "I think you've been expecting this," Theiss recalled of the tightly-sealed envelope. "I remember thinking to myself then, 'It's time to do my part.'"

Theiss, a 1964 graduate of Glenwood High School, has been tapped as the Stark County Veteran of the Year for 2023 by the Greater Canton Veterans Council.

"It was a real surprise," Theiss said of being selected for the honor. "There are just so many guys who would qualify. It's great to be able to give back to a community that's been very good to me."

U.S. Army Lt. William "Bill" Theiss, right, is welcomed into the service in 1966 by Lt. Col. Pilk during a promotion ceremony.
U.S. Army Lt. William "Bill" Theiss, right, is welcomed into the service in 1966 by Lt. Col. Pilk during a promotion ceremony.

Military ties run deep in the family. His father, Howard, was a U.S. Army veteran, while his brother Tim was a U.S. Navy service member, and another brother, Tom, was in the Ohio Army National Guard.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, military veterans in 2022 represented 6.2% of the total civilian population among those ages 18 and older.

Military tribute: Banners along Lincoln Way in Massillon honor western Stark veterans

Theiss recalls U.S. Army service in Vietnam, being shot down in helicopter

Theiss joined the Army officer ranks as a lieutenant in 1966 and exited in 1970 as a captain. He was an artillery branch commander, serving two tours overseas in the Vietnam War during his four-year stint.

William "Bill" Theiss talks at American Legion Post No. 44 in Canton about his four years as a U.S. Army officer. Theiss, who reached the rank of captain, was sworn in as a lieutenant in 1966 at age 20.
William "Bill" Theiss talks at American Legion Post No. 44 in Canton about his four years as a U.S. Army officer. Theiss, who reached the rank of captain, was sworn in as a lieutenant in 1966 at age 20.

Now 77, Theiss resides in Jackson Township. He said serving in the Army during the Vietnam War was an honor.

"I'm very fortunate," he said. "There were so many times I could have been sayonara."

One of those close encounters occurred in 1966 during his first Vietnam tour. Theiss was part of a crew of four on a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter – nicknamed "Huey" – that was taken down by enemy fire.

"We were shot down and settled (safely) on the ground (and uninjured)," he said. "Another chopper landed beside us, and a door gunman leaned out and said, 'Taxi sir?'"

Theiss also recalled the camaraderie within the military and friendships that have spanned five decades. One close friend didn't make it home.

In 1968, Theiss' best friend, Tom Butler, was killed in Vietnam. Theiss assisted in escorting his friend's body home to Kentucky.

Butler served beside Theiss in the junior officer ranks. Theiss spent two weeks assisting his comrade's family, calling that period the toughest memory of his Army tour.

"It still chokes mueup to talk about," he said.

Richard Biedenbach, of the Greater Canton Veterans Council, has known Theiss for about 10 years, calling the former captain a leader among Stark County veterans.

U.S. Army Capt. William "Bill" Theiss was a 1964 graduate of Glenwood High School.
U.S. Army Capt. William "Bill" Theiss was a 1964 graduate of Glenwood High School.

Theiss was instrumental in planning the annual Stark County veteran's Christmas party at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Biedenbach said. The event no longer takes place.

In addition, Theiss has been a key supporter and volunteer for the county's Honor Hall, which assists homeless military veterans. For nearly three years, Theiss has served as chairman of the group's advisory board.

"Bill is one hell of a guy," said Biedenbach of his friend. "He's always willing to help fellow veterans in any way possible."

U.S. military veterans to be honored Saturday in Canton

The Greater Canton Veterans Council has slated its Veterans Day observance for 11 a.m. Saturday at Westbrook Veterans Park, which is at 13th St. NW and Harrison Avenue NW.

Maj.-retired Chad Dubose, who served in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, will serve as the guest speaker. Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei is also scheduled to speak.

Theiss is also to be recognized at the event, which is held annually to benefit Canton and neighboring communities.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to American Legion Post No. 44, 1633 Cleveland Ave. NW.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Former U.S. Army Capt. Bill Theiss named Stark County Veteran of Year