Medal of Honor recipient Ted Belcher (July 21, 1924 – November 19, 1966) was born in Accoville, Logan County, to Robert “Lee” and Roxie Aliff Belcher, the second oldest of seven children. After he attended grade school in Logan County, his family moved to Lynco in Oceana District and then Cyclone, both Wyoming County. Growing up, he earned money as a farmhand. He was drafted in December 1942 and enlisted in the Army at Huntington in April 1943. After serving in World War II, he returned home to Hatcher, near Oceana, and married Helen Johnson in Pineville in 1949.

When the United States went to war with North Vietnam, Belcher returned to active duty. He arrived in South Vietnam in September 1966. On November 19, near Plei Djerang, Sergeant Belcher and his unit were attempting to destroy two large abandoned enemy camps. Belcher was the squad leader of Company C of the 1^st Battalion, 14^th Infantry, 25^th Infantry Division 2^nd Platoon. While leading his men through thick jungle, they came across a group of enemy bunkers. At the same time, a nearby reconnaissance platoon was being attacked by hidden enemy snipers. Belcher’s squad moved forward to help, but after only a short distance, the squad was hit with heavy gunfire from automatic weapons and snipers. Belcher quickly ordered his men to return fire and continue moving ahead.

As they advanced, a hand grenade landed in the middle of the squad. Belcher, without hesitation, threw himself onto the grenade just before it exploded. Belcher was killed instantly, but saved his fellow soldiers.

On December 6, 1968, Belcher’s widow was presented with his Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the Pentagon. He also received a Purple Heart, a National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Zanesville, Ohio. In 1999, the Holden Bridge on Corridor G in Logan County was renamed in his honor.