Robert Michael White
US Air Force general / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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For the American meteorologist, see Robert M. White (meteorologist).
Robert Michael White (July 6, 1924 – March 17, 2010) (Maj Gen, USAF)[2] was an American electrical engineer, test pilot, fighter pilot, and astronaut.[3][4] He was one of twelve pilots who flew the North American X-15, an experimental spaceplane jointly operated by the Air Force and NASA. As an engineer, he supervised the design and development of several modern military aircraft.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Robert M. White | |
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Born | (1924-07-06)July 6, 1924 New York City, U.S. |
Died | March 17, 2010(2010-03-17) (aged 85) Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Other names | Robert Michael White |
Alma mater | NYU, B.S. 1951 GWU, MBA 1966 |
Occupation | Test pilot |
Space career | |
USAF astronaut | |
Rank | Major General, USAF[1] |
Selection | 1957 MISS Group |
Missions | X-15 Flight 62 |
Retirement | February 1, 1981 |
Military career | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1942–1946 1951–1981 |
Rank | Major General |
Commands held | 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Awards | Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (4) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Air Medal (17) |
Close
On July 17, 1962, he flew the X-15 to an altitude above 50 miles, thereby qualifying as an astronaut according to the United States definition of the boundary of space.