A highly accomplished and esteemed individual, this retired United States Air Force colonel has led a truly remarkable career, distinguished by a broad range of impressive achievements and expertise in a variety of fields, including but not limited to aeronautical engineering, where he has demonstrated a profound understanding of the intricate mechanics and principles governing flight and aircraft design; test piloting, where his exceptional piloting skills and ability to navigate complex flight scenarios have been put to the test; business, where his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic thinking have enabled him to successfully navigate the demands of the corporate world; ranching, where his connection to the land and his ability to manage and cultivate resources have allowed him to thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment; and space exploration as a NASA astronaut, where he has had the privilege of being part of a select group of individuals who have ventured into the vast expanse of space, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding.
Notably, he occupied the prestigious role of commander on Apollo 8, a pioneering mission that achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing a lunar orbit, thereby making it the first spacecraft to encircle the Moon, accompanied by his accomplished crewmates, Jim Lovell, a seasoned astronaut with a storied career, and Bill Anders, a talented pilot and photographer, both of whom shared in the distinction of being part of this groundbreaking endeavor.
Notably, his extraordinary accomplishment led to a prestigious accolade, the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, a distinguished recognition of his trailblazing enthusiasm and unshakeable commitment to the relentless pursuit of space exploration.
As of the current year, 2021, a remarkable individual has earned the distinction of being the oldest living former American astronaut, a testament to his remarkable longevity and illustrious career. Notably, he holds a unique position, boasting an impressive seniority of eleven days over his fellow astronaut and friend, Jim Lovell, a fellow space traveler who has shared in his experiences and accomplishments.
