Virgil Grissom in Mitchell - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | April 03, 1926 |
|---|---|
| Age | 99 |
| Birthplace | Mitchell, Indiana, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Chinese Zodiac | Tiger |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | One of the original Mercury Seven astronauts; second American in space (Mercury-Redstone 4 mission, Liberty Bell 7); commander of Gemini 3 and Apollo 1 (tragically killed in Apollo 1 fire). |
Intro
Virgil Ivan 'Gus' Grissom was an American astronaut, United States Air Force pilot, and aerospace engineer. As one of the original NASA Mercury Seven astronauts, Grissom became the second American to fly in space and played a key role in the early U.S. space program. He died tragically in 1967 during a pre-launch test for the Apollo 1 mission.
Early Life & Background
Grissom was born in Mitchell, Indiana. He developed an early interest in aviation and joined the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and became a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.
Career Highlights
- Second American to fly in space aboard Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) in 1961.
- Command pilot of Gemini 3, the first manned Gemini flight, in 1965.
- Selected as commander of Apollo 1; died with fellow astronauts Ed White and Roger B. Chaffee in the Apollo 1 cabin fire during a pre-launch test on January 27, 1967.
- Recipient of numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
Trivia
- Grissom nearly drowned after splashdown when the Liberty Bell 7's hatch unexpectedly blew open and the capsule filled with water.
- Purdue University, Grissom's alma mater, is known as the 'Cradle of Astronauts'.
- The launch pad at Kennedy Space Center used for the Apollo 1 test is now referred to as Launch Complex 34 and stands as a memorial to the Apollo 1 crew.
FAQs
People also ask
How old is Virgil Grissom in Mitchell?
Virgil Grissom in Mitchell is 99 years old.
When was Virgil Grissom in Mitchell born?
Virgil Grissom in Mitchell was born the 3 April 1926.
Where is Virgil Grissom in Mitchell from?
Mitchell, Indiana, United States.
On His Birth-Day
About April 3rd, 1926, in brief:
- Historical events: Robert Goddard conducted the second successful flight of a liquid-fueled rocket, a groundbreaking moment in aerospace technology that would fundamentally transform rocket science and pave the way for future space exploration.
- Day of the week: April 3rd, 1926 was a Saturday
- Zodiac Sign: Aries (in western zodiac), Tiger (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waning gibbous
- #1 US song: Miami by Al Jolson
- Popular movie: The Bat directed by Roland West
Check the link for more news and curiosities on April 3rd, 1926.