Draft:Frederic C. Teich, Jr.

Colonel Frederic C. Teich, Jr. (June 22, 1915 - November 25, 1965) was a US Army career officer. He served as commandant of the Internal Security Detachment and director of the Nuremberg jail during the subsequent Nuremberg trials for war crimes committed by leaders of Nazi Germany.

Military career
Having graduated from the US Military Academy in West Point in 1938, Teich saw action as a battalion commander in the 66th Infantry Regiment, 71st Infantry Division in the European theatre during World War II. In 1945, he was awarded a Silver Star for his service.

After the war, Teich served as deputy to Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the commandant of the 6850th Internal Security Detachment (ISD). The ISD was charged with running the jail and providing security during the Nuremberg trials. After the trials of the main defendants and under public scrutiny over Hermann Göring's suicide, Andrus returned to the United States in October 1946. At the same time jurisdiction over the Nuremberg facilities was transferred to the US Army's local post and Teich appointed as the new commandant. During his command, Teich tried to reassure the public and his superiors that security would remain tight for the following military tribunals and that there would not be another incident like Göring's suicide. Yet, some prisoners appreciated Teich's administration. Albert Speer recalled thanking Teich for his men's friendly conduct before being transferred to Spandau prison.

In the early 1990s, documents written by Rudolf Hess at the Nuremberg jail were discovered in the National Archives. Hess had intended to send these to British fascist leader Oswald Mosely. It is assumed that Teich intercepted and stole these private documents to remove them to the United States.

In 1964, Teich received the Legion of Merit for his work as Director of Plans, Joint Task Force FOUR, Fort Monroe.

Retirement and death
Teich retired as a US Army colonel. After his death in 1965, was buried at the West Point Cemetery.