Robert M. White | |
---|---|
USAF Astronaut | |
Nationality | American |
Born |
New York City, U.S. |
July 6, 1924
Died | March 17, 2010 Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
(aged 85)
Other names
|
Robert Michael White |
Other occupation
|
Test pilot |
NYU, B.S. 1951 GWU, MBA 1966 |
|
Rank | Major General, USAF |
Selection | 1957 MISS Group |
Missions | X-15 Flight 62 |
Retirement | February 1, 1981 |
Military career | |
Service/branch | 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 Vietnam War |
Awards |
Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (4) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Air Medal (17) |
Robert Michael "Bob" White (July 6, 1924 – March 17, 2010), (Maj Gen, USAF), was an American military aircraft test pilot, fighter pilot, electrical engineer, and a Major general in the United States Air Force. White broke a number of records with the North American X-15 experimental aircraft during the 1960s, and supervised the design and development of several modern military aircraft.
White was born in New York City on 6 July 1924. He entered active military service in November 1942 as an aviation cadet in the United States Army Air Forces, and received his pilot wings and commission as a Second Lieutenant in February 1944.
During World War II he served with the 355th Fighter Group in the European Theater of Operations, where he flew P-51 Mustangs from July 1944 until February 1945 when he was shot down over Germany on his 52nd combat mission. He was captured and remained a prisoner of war until his release in April 1945. He then returned to the United States, left active duty in December 1945, and became a member of the Air Force Reserve at Mitchel Air Force Base, New York, while studying Electrical Engineering at New York University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University in 1951, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the George Washington University in 1966.