Astronaut.  He was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and enlisted in the Air Force where he began technical training at Denver’s Lowry Air Force Base. He later transferred to Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, FL, for advanced training at the Titan Missile site which provided the foundation of future space programs. He was the chief test conductor on all Gemini flights, as well as Apollo, Viking and shuttle flights. He received special achievement awards for his contributions. His last, and shortest assignment was top secret. Following his Oct. 14., 1982 death, his office was dedicated to him in perpetuity by the U.S. Air Force, NASA and Martin Marietta.