Thaddeus J. "Ted'" Hense, an attorney and decorated World War II veteran who flew 25 bombing missions over Germany, died of undetermined causes Jan. 3 at Gilchrist Hospice Care. The Towson resident was 96.
Born in Baltimore and raised on South Highland Avenue, he was a 1937 graduate of City College and earned a degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He was practicing law when he heard the news of the attack at Pearl Harbor and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Forces.
Stationed in England, he became a bombardier. His plane, a B-17, was named Little Boy Blue.
"He told me that the evening before their missions, he would not to speak to the other officers due to the probability that most would not return," said his son, T. James Hense Jr., who lives in Cross Keys. "He also said he came home with blood on his fingers from squeezing rosary beads."
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
"Second Lieutenant Thaddeus Hense had 20 seconds to take over as lead bomber of a group of Fortresses in a great attack at Regensburg, Germany. ... Reconnaissance photographs ... showed the factory was bombed out of existence," Baltimore Sun war correspondent Price Day reported in 1944.
Mr. Hense practiced law for almost 75 years and was known as the dean of real estate law in Towson. He was also known for the bow ties he wore. His office was on Pennsylvania Avenue. He retired three years ago.
Mr. Hense enjoyed cruises and spent 50 summers at Ocean City, where he was an ocean swimmer. He also displayed the U.S. flag from his second story porch at 13th street and Baltimore Ave. at the resort.
A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday at Immaculate Conception Roman Church, 200 Ware Ave. in Towson, where he was a member.
In addition to his son, survivors include two daughters, Ann Hense Stucker of Naples, Fla., and Mary Hense Fitzpatrick of Towson; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. His wife of 59 years, the former Josephine Ann Cooney, died in 2003.