Test Pilot, Astronaut. Born in Haverford, Pennsylvania, he graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1953 and became a Naval Aviator. After he graduated from both the Air Force’s Experimental Test Pilot and Aerospace Research Pilot Courses, he elected to serve with the US Air Force as a Captain. He logged more than 3,300 hours flying time in the Air Force, including more than 2,400 hours in jet aircraft. In October 1963, he was selected by NASA as an Astronaut and was a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. His last Air Force assignment was as a flight test aeronautical engineer and instructor of experimental flight pilots at the Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, California. During a flight test at Ellington Air Force Base, Houston, Texas, he lost his life. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith) Cause of death: T-38 jet plane crash