Theodore Albert Debacker

Theodore Albert DeBacker, Captain USAFR (Ret), class of 1950, passed away in Florida March 3, 2008 following a brief illness. He was born on July 1, 1927 in Pittsburgh, PA. His youth was distinguished by attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and participating in the Civil Air Patrol. He enlisted in the US Navy on his 17th birthday and attended radar school in Chicago, IL. Al, or ?Ted? as he was known to his classmates, was admitted to the Naval Academy straight from the enlisted ranks of the Navy. From the Fifth Battalion, 29th Company, he graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS degree and commissioned into the US Air Force on June 2, 1950. He received special training in advanced electronics, guidance and control for guided missiles, as well as, atomic, chemical and biological warfare. Al was assigned to the Matador missile program while stationed at Patrick Air Force Base. Later, in 1954, he was stationed at Bitburg Air Force Base in Germany, where he was promoted to Captain, out of turn, under the ?Exceptionally Well Qualified Program?. He assisted in the development of our nuclear deterrent capabilities serving in the First Pilotless Bomber Squadron, which was later credited by USAF as ?Victors in the Cold War?. Upon returning to the USA, he received additional education in nuclear reactor engineering and business. He then pursued a career in research and development in private industry. On a personal level, he was a kind and gentle man who continued to have the ?constant good humor and geniality? noted in the 1950 class yearbook. He is much loved by his family and friends and will forever be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Clara DeBacker; two sons, Noel Albert DeBacker of Wilmette, IL and Dwight Allan DeBacker of Auckland, New Zealand. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the US Naval Academy Foundation at 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, Attn: USNAF Gift Processing - Ms. Dawn Beach, referencing Capt. DeBacker or by calling (410) 295-4115. Memorial services will be held at 1:30pm at the US Naval Academy Chapel, with committal at the Academy Columbarium at a date to be announced. A reception will be held for family and friends at 3:30pm Alumni House (Ogle Hall) at 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD. The Family of T. Albert DeBacker FamilyofTAlbertDeBacker@yahoo.com