Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt Shapou, Teddy Shapou, (January 7, 1919–May 17, 1985) was an American war hero of World War II. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1919[1] to Lebanese-American parents, he grew up in New Bern, North Carolina with his three sisters. He first attended NC State in Raleigh, NC, then transferred to Georgetown College in Kentucky to be closer to his future wife. He starred in football, baseball, and studied zoology and botany before dropping out to join the Army Air Force.
He was first assigned to a pursuit group in Puerto Rico before joining the 14th Air Force in China as a fighter pilot. He served with the Flying Tigers in the Burma Theater (the 74th Fighter Squadron).[2] He was awarded at the same ceremony the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal "for combat flying in China."[3] He is said to have shot down several Zeros and assisted with downing a Mitsubishi bomber. His photograph was auctioned in New Bern, NC for war bonds for $8,500.[4] He reached the rank of captain. After the war he worked in the civil service at the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, Havelock, NC. [5]
He was married to Kathleen Jones in 1942. They had two daughters, Marilyn and Janis Claire, who was named to honor General Claire Chennault. The Shapous were members of St. Paul Catholic Church.[6]
Capt. Shapou died May 17, 1985, in New Bern, North Carolina.