A decorated military pilot and astronaut who flew on the Apollo 7 mission, becoming one of the first humans to orbit the Earth. He's also known for his humorous and candid comments during the mission.
As the command module pilot of the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, Donn F. Eisele played a crucial role in the success of the first manned Apollo flight. Alongside Wally Schirra and Walter Cunningham, Eisele bravely ventured into space, paving the way for future lunar exploration.
Born on June 23, 1930, in Columbus, Ohio, Eisele grew up with a passion for adventure and a strong sense of duty. As an Eagle Scout, he developed the leadership skills that would serve him well throughout his career. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree and chose to commission into the United States Air Force.
Eisele's flight experience was extensive, with over 4,200 hours of flying time, 3,600 of which were in jet aircraft. He served as an interceptor pilot in South Dakota and Libya before attending the U.S. Air Force Experimental Test Pilot School in 1962. Eisele was selected as an astronaut in 1963, along with 13 other individuals, and was part of the third group of astronauts chosen by NASA.
In 1966, Eisele was quietly selected as the pilot for the Apollo 7 mission, which launched on October 11, 1968. During the 11-day mission, Eisele, along with his crewmates, tested the Command and Service Module (CSM) in space, paving the way for future lunar missions.
After retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1972, Eisele went on to become the Peace Corps country director for Thailand. He later moved into private business, taking on various roles and projects that utilized his exceptional leadership skills.
Eisele's personal life was marked by his strong sense of duty and service. He was married to his wife, Susie, and had two children, Jon and Amy. Throughout his life, Eisele was committed to serving others, whether through his work as an astronaut or his later roles in the Peace Corps and private business.
Donn F. Eisele's contributions to the Apollo 7 mission and the space program as a whole are immeasurable. His bravery, skill, and dedication to duty paved the way for future generations of astronauts and space explorers.
In a career marked by adventure, service, and sacrifice, Eisele's legacy serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Born in 1923
One of the original seven astronauts in Project Mercury, this pioneer flew on three historic spaceflights, including the first American manned orbital flight and the Apollo 7 mission.
Born in 1926
One of the original seven astronauts in NASA's Project Mercury, a decorated military pilot, and a pioneer in space exploration, known for being the second American in space and commanding the first manned Gemini mission.
98 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
Born in 1923
First American in space, commanded Apollo 14 mission, and walked on the Moon.
96 Years Old
First person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
96 Years Old
Second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission, a pioneering astronaut and advocate for space exploration.
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Led the third manned mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 12, and became the third person to walk on its surface. Known for his bold and fearless approach to space exploration.
98 Years Old
Commander of the Apollo 13 mission, known for his heroic efforts in saving his crew after an explosion occurred on board. He's an iconic figure in space exploration history.
