Dear Dames and Knights,

On the 27th July 1984, the Congress of the United States of America during its 98th session dealt with the investiture of Mr. Joseph Anton Walters - hero of World War II - as Knight of Malta. Here you can read the Congressional Record made 30 years ago, in which the activities of our Order, the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta and of our then Grand Master, H.E. Lorenzo Michel de Valitch are highly appreciated.

It is important to emphasize that the Congressional Record clearly declared that our Knights of Malta Order is different from the papal institution, namely the SMOM!

The report gives a very accurate picture of who and based on what values can become a member of the Order. For information I mention that previously the U.S. Congress had already dealt twice (in 1967 and 1973) with praising the Sovereign Order of Cyprus - belonging to the KMFAP Alliance - in connection with the investiture of two esteemed American personalities to the Sovereign Order of Cyprus.

These important documents can be found at both websites - Knights of Malta (KMFAP) and Cyprus. The French translation of the Congressional Record has been completed (seen below as well) the Hungarian translation is still in progress.

SIR JOSEPH ANTON WALTERS , KSJ, 82, passed away Friday, March 3, 2006, at his home in Deepwater, MO. He was a victim of assault and robbery. He resided for many years in Independence, MO. Joe was born in Ness County, Kansas to Carl and Dorothea Weilert Walters on October 25, 1923. He was a graduate of Iola, Kansas High School. Joe was a member of the 41st Infantry Division in World War II where he saw action in New Guinea, Biak Island and the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. He was seriously injured on Jolo Island and spent 6 months in a hospital as a result. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Joe was a member of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, one of the oldest orders of chivalry in the world. He rose to the rank of Commander and Proctor General. Under his leadership the priory gained prominence and was recognized both nationally and internationally for its charitable works.

He was recognized as an expert in militaria memorabilia and antiques. Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Lillian Lucille; his son, Joe Ray, and his daughter, Phillis Elaine. He is survived by his daughter, Helen Louise Goodloe, Mt. Zion, MO; grandsons, Wayne and Matt Fields, granddaughter Kathy Kochenderfer; great grandchildren, Alisha, Nicholas, Chase, Jacob, James, Lindsey, Kane and Kole. He is also survived by sisters, Dorothy Trinkle and Velma Hallak, and brothers, Charles and Albert.

Joe was truly his own man; an adventurer, a visionary and an innovator. As leader of the Knights of Malta, he was a staunch proponent of the tenant of belief espoused by the organization's founder: "Be all things to those less fortunate and need of assistance”.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Nativity of Mary Church, Independence, on Friday, March 10, 2006 at 10 a.m. Friends may call at the visitation on Thursday, March 9, from 6:30 p.m. at the Sheil Colonial Funeral Home, 11924 E. 47th Street, with a Rosary at 8 p.m. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Raytown.