Thiele was born on September 4, 1905, in Washington, D.C.[1] He graduated from McKinley Technology High School.
Thiele was originally a member of the District of Columbia National Guard, serving with the 121st Engineer Battalion.
He was honorably discharged in 1924 and entered the United States Coast Guard Academy, graduating in 1927.
During World War II, Thiele helped design the Wind-class icebreakers and the USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83).
Thiele's later assignment included serving in London, England and as Engineer-in-Chief of the Coast Guard.