Walter C. Reitmeier

Walter C. Reitmeier

Walter C. Reitmeier was born and raised in Cheektowaga. He graduated in 1963 from Maryvale High School. During his high school years, he was a Student Counsel Officer, participated in football, wrestling and track and field. Wally was, also, voted King of the Senior Prom of 1963.

He attended Erie County Technical Institute (ECC) from 1964-1969, and graduated from Buffalo State Teachers College in 1969. All through college, his summer vacations were spent at Platoon Leaders Training at Camp LeJeune , N.C. Wally received his Commission to 2nd/Lt USMC at his Buffalo State graduation. Prior to his attending OCS (Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA) Wally taught Industrial Arts at Cleve-Hill High School. He left for Vietnam the day after Christmas, 1969.

While clearing a minefield in Vietnam, Wally was seriously injured when a mortar exploded. He was transferred to Philadelphia Naval Hospital for a year of surgeries and rehabilitation. Wally suffered bilateral traumatic amputation of his lower legs, traumatic enucleated left eye; and, many other injuries.

Wally and Diane Brooks were married in November 1970; and, welcomed a son, Jason, in October 1971. Wally attended New York University and received his Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Wally was then employed as Director of the Work Training Center for Retarded Children of Niagara County. Wally was, also, employed at Erie Community College South in the Facilities Planning Department.

Wally served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Augustine’s RC Church, Commander of the J. Michael Hens VFW Post, and a member of the Clarence American Legion. He was, also, active in youth hockey at the Lockport Kenan Center; and, coached Little League Baseball in Clarence for several years.

Wally and Diane are the very proud grandparents of three beautiful granddaughters, Alaina, Lilly, and Emily.

Due to continued complications from his injuries, Wally became a resident at the Veteran’s Administration Facility in Batavia for two years. Wally passed away at the VA in Buffalo with Diane, Jason, and his brother, Bob, by his side.

During an interview with the Buffalo News, Wally stated, “A lot of people look at Veteran’s Day and associate it with war. I always associate it with peace; and, the price we pay for peace”.

Military Branch:  Marine Corps

Rank:  1/Lt.

Years Enlisted:  1969-1970

Honors:  Bronze Star with V For Valor, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Service Medal with w/1*, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medalign Medal

Status:  Retired