Naval Academy Register

He was “deficient in studies and discharged under honorable conditions” on February 1, 1951.

Photographs

"Ted was a member of the 85th FIS (Fighter Inceptor Squadron) 52-9765; USAF Pilot Training Class 52-H, Kinston AB, North Carolina. We have his nephew and name sake to thank for this handsome photo." Source

From ancestry.com

At a base in Kinston, North Carolina. From ancestry.com

Loss

Theodore was lost when the T33 jet trainer he was piloting exploded mid-air and crashed into cornfield near Scott AFB on September 10, 1956. The other pilot aboard was also killed. He “had been a member of the Air Force for five years and had completed his last quarter at the University of Iowa this summer.”

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Theodore had attended Northwestern University (freshman 1947-48) and the University of Iowa, and majored in commerce. He was a member of Phi Kappa Pi fraternity and held three letters each in football, basketball and track.

In December 1952, Theodore graduated from Craig Air Force Base, Selma, Alabama, in the last class of cadets who trained in piston engine fighter planes. Theodore was recognized as the outstanding graduate. He received a regular commission in the Air Force in recognition of his work as a cadet. All others received reserve commissions.

Days later, he married Elizabeth Arnold Hill, and they resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was stationed.

He was survived by his wife, two children, parents, and a brother, Lloyd. He is buried in North Carolina.