Theodore C. Backe Jr.

First Lieutenant Backe was enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was sent to the meteorological school at Bowdoin College , ME. , the Seymour Johnson field in Goldsboro, NC for courses in the Cadet Corps, then to the Army Air Forces Training Command at Yale University, CT. Following his graduation as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1944, he reported to the Warner Robbins Field in Macon, GA. He was then assigned to the 337th Air Service Group at Bluethenthal Field, NC. In 1945 he was in Iwo Shima for a few days following the death of journalist Ernie Pyle before being transferred to Okinawa. In December, 1945, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. In June, 1946, Theodore left Okinawa, being discharged from Fort Dix, NJ. He was awarded the American Campaign, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign, WW II Victory Medals, Meritorious Service Unit Plaque, and the Ryukyu Ribbons with two Battle Stars.