Theodore Stephens "Ted" Danielsen, the son of Heyward and Helen Danielsen, grew up in the small South Carolina community of Batesburg. At the age of fifteen, following the death of his father, Ted assumed added responsibility as the eldest of three sons. He graduated from Batesburg-Leesburg High School and then enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at Clemson A&M College. After applying for admission to the Naval Academy, he received an appointment to West Point for entry with the Class of 1960. Ted’s college experience and maturity stood him in good stead during his cadet days. He had no difficulties with academics or the routines of cadet life. He possessed a fine bass voice and was a bass section stalwart for four years in the Protestant Chapel Choir and three years in the Cadet Glee Club. His companymates remember Ted as a cheerful, helpful good guy to have as a friend.
After Ted’s Infantry Commissioning, Basic Officer Training, and a year in the 82nd Airborne Division, he served as an advisor in the early days of Vietnam. His actions earned him two Bronze Stars with oak leaf cluster. When he returned to the States, he was assigned to the newly formed 11th Air Assault Division and experienced the challenge of developing a new air assault war fighting concept. More importantly, during this period, he won the hand of his lifelong soul mate and love of his life, Cynthia Lane. During their subsequent long married life, they met the challenges of raising a family through numerous relocations. Their loving care of son Chris, blind from birth, was instrumental to his successful professional career. As he and his sister Lane fondly recall, Cynthia made those "Old Blue Eyes" twinkle like no other could. Ted was their hero, a father who was unconditionally supportive and a trusted, involved mentor who provided encouragement and love as their greatest cheerleader. Ted and Cynthia were justifiably proud of Chris and Lane’s attainment of their Juris Doctorates.
In 1965 when Ted had orders to attend the Infantry Officer’s Advanced Course, his Brigade Commander asked if he would instead consider deploying with the unit, now the First Air Cavalry Division, back to Vietnam. Ted volunteered to return as the Company Commander for A Company of the 1/8th Cavalry. His most memorable mission was to aid a sister unit that was heavily outnumbered and in great danger in the la Drang valley. Ted’s company conducted the first nighttime heliborne Infantry assault into a hot LZ and saved many lives in the process. For his courageous leadership he was awarded the Silver Star and a Bronze Star with Valor. Ted was selected by the Army to participate in the ABC-TV program "I Am a Soldier," which depicted the conflict in Vietnam. The program aired in May, 1966, and received excellent reviews while highlighting Ted’s professionalism and leadership ability.
After Vietnam and attendance at the deferred Advanced Course, the Danielsen family began a series of assignments that included the Netherlands, Korea and ROTC duty at Wofford College. After C&GSC, Ted earned an MBA degree from Northwest Missouri State while at Fort Leavenworth. Following assignments with Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Surface Component, TRADOC, and CENTCOM HQ, Ted’s final assignment was at Fort Jackson as Chief of Training and as a Training Brigade Executive Officer. He retired in 1987 and was awarded The Legion of Merit.
After settling back in Batesburg, Ted began a new career of civic service by being elected to the local school board, and eventually serving as Board Chairman. The system superintendent acknowledged that Ted was the best school board member with whom he ever served. He served as President of the Twin City Civic Association and also chaired a steering committee whose charter was to find ways to enhance commercial development in the twin city area. Ted also became certified and taught high school math in a nearby community. After ten years he retired again, and they moved to the Myrtle Beach area. At Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, Ted was active in choir and committee activities and a supporter of various senior member activities. His obvious concern for others, unfailing courtesy, and selfless approach to all of his church-related activities made him a treasured member of the Belin family.
The celebration of Ted’s life at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church was an uplifting, moving experience. While each contributor in the service had a personal focus on his or her remembrances, there was a common theme—this was a man who had concern for others, who lived his commitment to service, and who loved his God, family, country and church. When Lane and Chris read The Cadet Prayer, they affirmed that Ted had lived his life in conformance to the prayer’s supplications and had led them to also do so. His beloved A Company, 1/8th Cavalry "band of brothers" attendees and spokesman assured that Ted, or "Alfagator Six", was their hero. At Belin, and throughout his life Ted was recognized as one who believed deeply in commitment to Duty, Honor, Country.
Well done, Ted. Be Thou at Peace my sweet man. You were always the husband of a young girl’s dreams and an adored Daddy by your children. We will hold you in our hearts forever.