Theodore Westley Long was born on 17 February 1924, in Charleston, West Virginia. His mother is Freda (Fadeley) Middlemiss. He came to Marion, Ohio with his mother around 1940. Theodore’s step-father, Thomas W. Middlemiss, was also serving during World War Two.Theodore had attended Thomas Edison Middle School. He was then employed at Albert Super Market, Kresge’s Store and Pollak Steel Company prior to entering service. Theodore was engaged to be married to Miss Maxine Bailey of Marion, Ohio.

Theodore W. Long entered service on 10 July 1943, at Great Lakes, Illinois. He had served overseas aboard the USS Louisville (CA-28) and served most of his time aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16). He was overseas for fifteen months. S2C Long participated in battles at the Gilbert Islands and Mariana Islands and raids in the Philippines.

On 5 Nov 1944 13:37, near Leyte, two “Zekes” (Japanese Kamikaze) dove from heavy cloud cover. One being shot down by the Lexington’s antiaircraft guns. A five inch shell completely severed the tail section. The second Zeke made it through the ship’s antiaircraft fire, the plane was seen to shudder several times as it was hit with explosive shells. This plane was able to drop a bomb and itself struck the island structure aft and on the starboard side. The result of the Japanese attack left several radars out of service and fires from the planes fuel tank and munitions. Forty-seven officers and men were killed in the Kamikaze strike. One being Seaman Second Class (S2C) Theodore W. Long, of Marion, Ohio.
S2c Theodore W. Long was buried at sea.

S2C Theodore W. Long is remembered on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines; the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; on the west wall of the Marion County Courthouse; and on the World War II Veterans Memorial Wall, at the Marion Cemetery.