US Astronaut. During the course of his career at NASA, he logged roughly 483 hours in space and served as commander of the space shuttle Discovery’s maiden mission in 1984. Raised in Alabama, he received his bachelors degree in Physics from Auburn University in 1954 and continued his studies at Duke University. He later studied Astronautics at the Air Force Institute of Technology. He began his twenty-two year career with the United States Air Force in 1955 (he retired in 1977) and served a tour with the 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron in Germany. He served as a pilot instructor, prior to joining NASA in 1969. Among his early assignments include serving as a member of the astronaut support crew for Apollo 16. In 1985, he served as spacecraft commander for Challenger in association with the Spacelab mission. Among his many honors include two-time recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal (1982 and 1988) and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service in 1996. (bio by: C.S.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Judy Frances Massey Hartsfield (1937 – 2014)* *Calculated relationship