Theodore J. Banick

Preferred Name: Ted
Date of Birth: December 11, 1932
Headed West: December 24, 2015
Highest Military Grade Held: 0-6 – Colonel
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Biography

Theodore J. “Ted” Banick, joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served until 1980. While in the Air Force, he trained in the PA-18, T-6, T-28, T-33, and 2 helicopter types. He was commissioned in 1954 and went on to fly the F-86, F-104, F-100, F-4, and T-39. He served the USAF in many places and capacities, including 2 tours in Vietnam.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, Ted became an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, Institute of Safety and Systems Management, then an aviation safety consultant and accident investigator.

In 1995, he began his career as a “professional retiree and amateur golfer”. Ted was a member of several pilot and safety organizations. He loved the Air Force, aviation, golf, music, old movies, his dogs, and his friends. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, and really enjoyed USC Trojans football and was a longtime supporter of their marching band.

Headed West

Col. Theodore J. Banick, (USAF, Ret.) “Headed West” December 24, 2015 
Ted, as he was known to all, was born Dec. 11, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois and joined the United States Air Force in 1952 and served until 1980.

While in the Air Force, he trained in the PA-18, T-6, T-28, T-33, and 2 helicopter types. He was commissioned in 1954 and went on to fly the F-86, F-104, F-100, F-4, and T-39. He served the USAF in many places and capacities, including 2 tours in Vietnam.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Ted became an assistant professor at the University of Southern California, Institute of Safety and Systems Management, then an aviation safety consultant and accident investigator.

In 1995 he began his career as a “professional retiree and amateur golfer”. Ted was a member of several pilot and safety organizations. He loved the Air Force, aviation, golf, music, old movies, his dogs, and his friends. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, and really enjoyed USC Trojans football and was a longtime supporter of their marching band.

SSS member Ted Banick was buried at Riverside National Cemetery.

Pilot Information

Units Assigned

  • 1952 Joined USAF
  • 1954 Received commission
  • 4523rd Combat Crew Training Squadron, Nellis AFB, NV
  • 4514th Combat Crew Training Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ
  • 1980 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Flight Info

PA-18
T-6
T-28
T-33
F-86
F-104
F-100
F-4
T-39

Military & Civilian Education