Asbury United Methodist Church, Cinnaminson, NJ
Friday, April 19, 2024

Asbury Veteran: Ted Hansen

US Army
 

Theodore A. Hansen Jr.

 

“Ted”, born in Moorestown, NJ grew up on a fruit farm in Burlington Township and graduated from Burlington Wilbur Watts High School in 1949.

 

In August, 1951 Ted was drafted into the Army, sent to Fort Dix, NJ for Basic Training and then to Fort Bliss, TX for Anti-Aircraft Training.  When home on leave, Ted first met Helen at the home of her Aunt.

 

In the 8th Army Infantry Division, Corporal Hansen was stationed at Inchon, Korea for six months, then to the 21st Car Company, Seoul Korea Correspondents Billets.  For the next ten months Ted and another Corporal maintained 21 Jeeps for News Correspondents---Edward R. Murrow, etc. 

 

Ted fondly remembers a young 16 year old South Korean boy, “Yoyo”, who volunteered as a mechanics helper and worked with him the whole time Ted was in Korea.  Ted characterizes the South Koreans as “good  friendly people”.  Another memory was of Sigmond Rhee, President of South Korea, who lived “up the street” from where Ted was stationed.  When North Koreans tried to bomb Sigmund Rhee they dropped many bombs very close to where Ted was stationed.

 

In August, 1953 Ted “separated” from the Army and served six years in the Ready Reserves.  At this time, “separation” did not become a discharge for six years and one could be “called up” at any time.

 

In November, 1953, Ted and Helen were married at Asbury Methodist Church (on Rt. 130) by Rev. Walter Quigg.  Helen has been a member of Asbury since age 5.  They have lived in Delanco and Riverside for forty years.

 

Ted worked at Ford Truck and Chevrolet Car Dealers.  In 1982 he joined Don Petrie at the Willingboro Board of Education to maintain the school bus fleet.  He retired in September, 1996.

 

Ted and Helen have a daughter Valerie, a son Mark and six grandchildren.