Ted Landskroener has worn many hats in 96 years: husband, father, company president, bank board member, and volunteer fire company advocate. Yet for Ted, the first great challenge of his life was the one he shares with millions of veterans who joined the Greatest Generation to vanquish Hitler and Hirohito in World War II.
Born in Saginaw, Mi. on October 31, 1923, Ted was a child of the Great Depression. His parents moved the family east where the Landskroeners settled in first in Bethlehem, Pa. and then in central New Jersey, where Ted grew up.
Ted was one of many Navy aviators who trained for the Allied invasion of the Japanese mainland, where millions on both sides would have face certain death had the U.S. decided against the use of atomic weapons. In this interview, Ted recalls the magazine cover of the sharp dressed Navy flier that caught his eye. He decided then if he had to risk his life, it might as well be as a Navy pilot. Ted shares his memories of finding his way into the air unit, learning to fly and land on make-shift aircraft carriers–and the constant unmentioned fear of the future in time of war.
Ted also shares his memories of hearing that President Truman had dropped the second atomic bomb on the City of Nagasaki and the loss of lives that saved his own.
By Daniel Menefee and Steve Meehan
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Maryann Ruehrmund says
Thank you for your service, Ted!
James Morris says
Thank you for documenting Mr Landskroener’s historical importance as one of the United States’ greatest generation. I grew up around Ted working and playing golf at Chester River Yacht and Country Club in the 80s and he was not only a terrific man to meet in my formative years but a great mentor and friend as well. I have a lot of fond memories stemming from my ineractions with him, his wife Kathy and their sons. Ted is truly one of the gentlemen both my father and I share great respect for. As an adult in the Navy he always kept track of my journey through conversations with my father and upon hearing that I had a son who played football, Ted had a friend of his, none other than the great Johnny Unitas autograph and personalize a football for him that he cherishes to this day. Mr. Landskroener’s generosity knows no bounds and the impact of my relationship with him extends into yet another generation through my children. The world is a better place because Of Ted and I am personally honored and deeply humbled to have had the opportunity to spend time in his presence. Once again, many thanks for documenting his adventure and sacrifice to a grateful nation and the generations of sailors that followed in his footsteps.
Bob Jackson says
Nice to hear with Mr. Landskroener’s story.
Roger Brown says
Great story Ted. Thanks for telling it.
Roger
Marty Stetson says
He was one of the first people who made me feel welcome when I moved to Chestertown over fifty years ago. I feel he is one of my oldest ( and I do not mean in age ) friend that I have. When ever I see him I have nothing but good thoughts about the time we have spent together. He was always very humble and honest not only about his time in the service but how he has spent his entire life.