James A. McDivitt

James A. McDivitt was an American test pilot, United States Air Force brigadier general, and NASA astronaut who commanded two critical early space missions. He served as the commander of the pioneering Gemini 4 flight, which featured the first American spacewalk, and later commanded the seminal Apollo 9 mission that thoroughly tested the complete Lunar Module in Earth orbit. Following his spaceflight career, McDivitt held senior management positions within the Apollo program and the broader American aerospace industry, playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in achieving the Moon landing goal.

Early life and education

James Alton McDivitt was born on June 10, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his youth in Kalamazoo, where he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. McDivitt began his college studies at Jackson Junior College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959, completing his studies through the Air Force Institute of Technology program. His academic training provided a strong engineering foundation for his subsequent careers as a military aviator and astronaut.

Military career

McDivitt entered the United States Air Force during the Korean War, serving as a pilot with the 35th Fighter-Bomber Squadron. He flew 145 combat missions in F-80 and F-86 aircraft. After the war, he attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, graduating in 1959. As an experimental test pilot, McDivitt served as a flight test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, working on projects including the F-101, F-104, and F-4 aircraft. His exemplary performance as a test pilot was a key factor in his selection by NASA.

NASA career

Selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 2 in 1962, McDivitt was among the group often called "The New Nine." His first assignment was as backup command pilot for the Gemini 3 mission. In June 1965, he achieved his first spaceflight as commander of Gemini 4, with pilot Ed White. This four-day mission was a major American duration record and is most famous for White's historic spacewalk over the Pacific Ocean. McDivitt also attempted a pioneering rendezvous with the mission's spent Titan II rocket stage, an early test of techniques vital for the Apollo program.

Apollo program

McDivitt was originally selected to command a potential Apollo mission, but was later assigned to command Apollo 9 following the Apollo 1 fire. Launched in March 1969, this crucial Earth-orbital mission was the first comprehensive crewed test of the complete Apollo spacecraft, including the Command Module "Gumdrop" and the Lunar Module "Spider." McDivitt and Rusty Schweickart performed the first crewed flight and docking of the Lunar Module, a complete systems test critical for the subsequent Moon landing. Following this mission, McDivitt moved into management, becoming Manager of Lunar Landing Operations in May 1969 and later the Manager of the entire Apollo Spacecraft Program Office, overseeing the final missions including Apollo 12, Apollo 13, Apollo 14, Apollo 15, and Apollo 16.

Post-NASA career and legacy

McDivitt retired from both NASA and the United States Air Force in June 1972, having been promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He subsequently entered the private sector, serving as Executive Vice President of the Consumer Products Division at Pullman Standard and later as Senior Vice President for Government Operations and International Programs at Rockwell International. His later career included roles as President of the Railcar Division and Chairman of Perkin-Elmer's Electro-Optical Products Division. McDivitt's legacy is that of a pioneering astronaut who commanded two foundational missions for Gemini and Apollo, and a skilled manager who helped guide the final stages of the Moon landing program to its successful conclusion. He passed away on October 13, 2022, in Tucson, Arizona.

Category:American astronauts Category:NASA astronauts Category:Apollo program astronauts Category:United States Air Force brigadier generals Category:University of Michigan alumni