Teddy Ditchek served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and served in an active combat zone in Korea providing supplies for ongoing operations as well as supervising an active prisoner-of-war camp for captured North Korean and Chinese army troops and irregular forces.
As the son of Jewish immigrants, he was able to maintain his observance and dietary kosher restrictions throughout his service and served as a mentor to many in his regiment. He conducted High Holiday services and the Passover Seder for his unit throughout the war.
In recognition of his exemplary military service, Mr. Ditchek received the Korean Service Medal W/1, Bronze Service Star, Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. His most significant Duty Assignment includes HQ CO 1st BN 34th Infantry Regiment –Korea, Service School Training: Radio School/Radio Operator Pusan, Korea
Mr. Ditchek lived his entire life in Brooklyn, and, after being honorably discharged from the service in 1954, he attended Brooklyn College under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, more commonly known as the G.I. Bill.
Prior to his military service, Mr. Ditchek was a jazz musician. After the war, he joined the family auto body supply business, Sam Ditchek and Sons, in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood. He worked there until his death in 1987, at the young age of 55.
Mr. Ditchek and his late wife Helen are survived by two children, Karen Rosen and Dr. Stuart Ditchek as well as eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.
His family has a long history of service including his father, Samuel Ditchek (US Army, WWI), his brother, Leonard Ditchek (US Army, WWII), his brother, Henry Ditchek (US Navy, WWII), and his brother in-law Burt Lippman (US Army, WWII).
Follow Us