Ted Bassett (executive)

James Edward "Ted" Bassett III (born October 26, 1921) is an American executive in law enforcement and horse racing.^[1]

Early life and education

Bassett graduated from Kent School in 1941 and Yale College. He served as an infantry officer in 4th Marine Regiment of the 6th Marine Division in World War II and received a Presidential Unit Citation and two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat during the Battle of Okinawa.^[2]

Bassett was the Director of the Kentucky State Police and initiated the foundation of the College of Justice and Safety at Eastern Kentucky University in August 1965.^[3] He worked at Keeneland for over 40 years, and held senior positions, including president and chairman of the board.^[4] He received the Eclipse Award of Merit in 1995. He was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2019.^[5] He turned 100 years old in 2021.^[6]

^ Rudy Socha; Carolyn Darrow (2004). Above & Beyond Former Marines Conquer The Civilian World. Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 9781596520400. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
^ "Ted Bassett Professional Career". tedbassett.com. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
^ McClanahan, James and Smith Rhonda. "Justice and Safety Education at Eastern Kentucky University: 'A Historical Perspective'", College of Justice and Safety, Eastern Kentucky University, page 5.
^ Shulman, Lenny. "Keeneland Icon Ted Bassett a Wealth of Knowledge", Bloodhorse.com, April 15, 2019. Accessed April 22, 2021.
^ Dick, Sam. "A horse racing icon hosted Queen Elizabeth, Presidents, and celebrities", WKYT website (Gray Television, Inc.), October 26, 2020. Accessed April 22, 2021.
^ "Keeneland Icon Ted Bassett Celebrates 100th Birthday". Paulick Report. 26 October 2021.

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