Governor Walz orders flags to half-staff for Captain Willibald C. Bianchi

Governor Tim Walz orders all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi.

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Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation in Minnesota honoring Captain Willibald C. Bianchi, a New Ulm native and officer of the United States Army.

The proclamation recognizes Captain Bianchi’s heroism during the defense of the Bataan Peninsula on February 3, 1942, his award of the Medal of Honor, and his death as a prisoner of war on January 9, 1945.

It also notes that, after eighty years of uncertainty, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains and returned them to his home state, bringing closure to his family, the community of New Ulm, and Minnesotans.

The order directs that all United States flags and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in honor and remembrance of Captain Willibald C. Bianchi.

The title, summary, or detailed analysis was prepared with AI assistance.

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Minnesota Governor

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Written and maintained by Josh Forehand

Last reviewed August 25, 2026