# Jack Swigert

> NASA Astronaut, Pilot (1931-1982)

**Wikidata**: [Q348358](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q348358)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Swigert)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jack-swigert

## Summary
Jack Swigert was an American astronaut, pilot, military officer, and politician who lived from 1931 to 1982. He served as a crew member of spacecraft and was affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Swigert is recognized for his membership in NASA Astronaut Group 5 and for receiving high-level civilian honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1931
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Hartford
- **Known for:** Service as a NASA astronaut and pilot
- **Employer(s):** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- **Field(s):** Aeronautics, Military service, Politics

## Contributions
- **NASA Astronaut Group 5 Membership:** Swigert contributed to the United States space program as a member of the 5th group of NASA astronauts, a cohort trained to command, pilot, and serve on spacecraft crews.
- **NASA Distinguished Service Medal:** He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, a recognition established by the agency in 1959 to honor exceptional service.
- **Presidential Medal of Freedom:** Swigert received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the joint-highest civilian award of the United States, bestowed by the President for significant contributions to the nation.
- **United States Astronaut Hall of Fame:** He was honored with induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame, a facility at the Kennedy Space Center dedicated to recognizing American astronauts.

## FAQs
**Where did Jack Swigert receive his education?**
Jack Swigert attended the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university in Troy, New York; the University of Colorado Boulder, the flagship public university of the University of Colorado System; and the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

**What awards did Jack Swigert earn during his career?**
He was the recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the joint-highest civilian award in the United States. Additionally, he was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame.

**Which NASA astronaut group did Jack Swigert belong to?**
Jack Swigert was a member of NASA Astronaut Group 5, the fifth selection of astronauts for the agency.

**What were Jack Swigert's primary professional roles?**
Swigert was a NASA astronaut and aircraft pilot. He also served as a military officer and was involved in politics as a politician.

## Why They Matter
Jack Swigert holds significance in the history of American space exploration as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 5. His recognition by the United States government with the Presidential Medal of Freedom highlights the national importance of his service. His induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame cements his legacy as a key figure in the advancement of human spaceflight.

## Notable For
- Membership in NASA Astronaut Group 5
- Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Affiliation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- Education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Hartford

## Body
### Identity and Background
John Leonard "Jack" Swigert, Jr. was a male human and citizen of the United States, born in 1931 and deceased in 1982. His professional life encompassed multiple distinct fields, including service as a military officer and a politician. However, he is most widely defined by his roles as an aircraft pilot and an astronaut—a person who commands, pilots, or serves as a crew member of a spacecraft.

### Education
Swigert's academic background includes affiliations with several higher education institutions. He was associated with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university located in Troy, New York. He also attended the University of Colorado Boulder, a public university serving as the flagship of the University of Colorado System. Additionally, Swigert was connected to the University of Hartford, a university based in Connecticut, United States.

### Career with NASA
Swigert's primary professional affiliation was with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the American space and aeronautics agency headquartered in Washington, D.C.. As an astronaut, he was part of NASA Astronaut Group 5, the fifth group of astronauts selected by the agency. This role placed him within the industry of aeronautics and space flight, contributing to the agency's mission of exploration and research.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Swigert received significant recognition for his service. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, a prestigious medal instituted by NASA in 1959. His honors extended to the highest levels of civilian recognition in the United States; he was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award, established in 1963, is the joint-highest civilian award bestowed by the President. Furthermore, his legacy was honored posthumously or through career-long recognition with his induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. This facility, located at the Kennedy Space Center, is dedicated to honoring American astronauts for their achievements and service.

## References

1. [Source](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47639)
2. [Source](https://searchpub.nssc.nasa.gov/servlet/sm.web.Fetch/Agency_Awards_Historical_Recipient_List.pdf?rhid=1000&did=2120817&type=released)
3. [Source](https://www.nmspacemuseum.org/inductee/john-l-swigert-jr/)
4. [Space Hall Inducts 14 Apollo Program Astronauts. El Paso Times. 1983](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29964158/el_paso_times/)
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
7. Find a Grave
8. MAK
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File