World War II Honoree

Theodore 'Ted' Heck

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Rydal, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Friends of American Heroes

He proudly served his country when he enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. He enlisted as a Private and worked his way up to Captain. He became a platoon leader and later company commander in France with the 70th Infantry Division. He fought in the snow against the German SS Mountain Division. He was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry during fierce house to house fighting, leading his men while firing a machine gun from his hip. In other action in Alsace Lorraine he was awarded a Bronze Star for single-handedly capturing nine German infantrymen. His squad was fully armed while he had only a pistol. In other action he became one of a very few combat infantrymen to receive an Air Medal. He was in an artillery reconnaissance plane during an attack and was able to alter the battle plan. For his service in the liberation of France he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal.