# James McDivitt

> American astronaut and test pilot (1929-2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q364476](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q364476)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McDivitt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-mcdivitt

## Summary
James Alton McDivitt Jr. was an American astronaut, test pilot, and military officer born in 1929 and deceased in 2022. A member of NASA Astronaut Group 2, he served as a crew member of spacecraft and was affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. McDivitt was recognized for his contributions to aviation and space exploration through numerous awards, including induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

## Biography
- **Born:** June 10, 1929
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** University of Michigan (honorary doctorate); U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School
- **Known for:** Service as a NASA astronaut and test pilot; participation in the Korean War
- **Employer(s):** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Pullman Company, Rockwell International, U.S. Air Force
- **Field(s):** Aeronautics, Space Exploration, Military Service

## Contributions
James McDivitt contributed to the field of aerospace through his service as a test pilot, where he was responsible for flying new or modified aircraft to evaluate and certify their performance. As an astronaut selected in 1962, he contributed to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's space exploration goals by commanding, piloting, or serving as a crew member of spacecraft. His military service included participation in the Korean War, where he served as a military officer. Later in his career, he held executive positions at major aerospace and manufacturing corporations, including Rockwell International and the Pullman Company, contributing to the industrial sector supporting aviation and transportation.

## FAQs
**When was James McDivitt born and when did he die?**
James McDivitt was born on June 10, 1929, and passed away on October 13, 2022.

**Which NASA astronaut group was James McDivitt a part of?**
He was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 2 in September 1962.

**What awards and honors did James McDivitt receive?**
He received the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Order of Military Merit (South Korea), the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Astronaut Badge, and the Golden Plate Award.

**Where did James McDivitt receive his education?**
McDivitt attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Michigan.

**What companies and organizations was James McDivitt affiliated with?**
He was affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Pullman Company, Rockwell International, and the U.S. Air Force.

## Why They Matter
James McDivitt matters as a significant figure in the history of American aviation and space exploration, evidenced by his induction into both the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. His career spanned critical periods of aerospace development, from combat service in the Korean War to the early era of human spaceflight with NASA. As a test pilot, he played a role in certifying the performance of aircraft essential to national defense and technological advancement. His transition to executive roles at Rockwell International and the Pullman Company highlights his continued influence on the aerospace and industrial sectors beyond his active flying years.

## Notable For
- **NASA Astronaut Group 2:** Selected in September 1962 as part of the second group of astronauts.
- **Hall of Fame Inductions:** Inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame.
- **Military Decorations:** Recipient of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Air Medal.
- **International Recognition:** Awarded the Order of Military Merit by South Korea.
- **NASA Service:** Recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
- **Specialized Badges:** Recipient of the Astronaut Badge.
- **Academic Honors:** Awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Michigan.
- **Civic Award:** Recipient of the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
- **Corporate Leadership:** Served as an executive at Rockwell International and the Pullman Company.
- **Conflict Service:** Served as a military officer during the Korean War.

## Body

### Identity and Early Life
James Alton McDivitt Jr., also known as Jim McDivitt or James A. McDivitt, was a member of the species Homo sapiens and a citizen of the United States. He was born on June 10, 1929, and lived until October 13, 2022. His life was characterized by a diverse professional career spanning military service, aviation, and corporate executive leadership.

### Military Service and Education
McDivitt served as a military officer and an aircraft pilot. His education included attendance at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, an advanced flight training school established in 1944. He participated in the Korean War, a conflict lasting from 1950 to 1953. For his service, he was awarded several military decorations, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. He also received the Order of Military Merit, a military medal awarded by South Korea.

### NASA Career and Space Exploration
In September 1962, McDivitt became part of NASA Astronaut Group 2. As an astronaut, he was defined by his role to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. He was affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program and aeronautics research. His contributions to the space program were recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the Astronaut Badge.

### Corporate Career and Executive Roles
Following his service with NASA and the military, McDivitt engaged in the private sector as an executive. He held positions at the Pullman Company, an American manufacturer of railroad cars, and Rockwell International, a major aerospace manufacturer active from 1973 to 2001. In these roles, he contributed to the industries of railroad manufacturing and aerospace.

### Recognition and Legacy
McDivitt's achievements in aviation and space exploration were solidified by his inductions into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. The University of Michigan conferred upon him an honorary doctorate. His legacy is preserved through various identifiers in library and archival systems, including the Library of Congress Control Number (n00044087) and the ISNI (0000000111417164).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/correction-apollo-astronaut-james-mcdivitt-dies-at-age-93)
2. Find a Grave
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14. [Source](https://nationalaviation.org/enshrinee/james-alton-mcdivitt-jr/)
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16. [Source](http://grin.hq.nasa.gov/ABSTRACTS/GPN-2000-001333.html)
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19. Discogs
20. Munzinger Personen
21. [Former NASA astronaut Jim McDivitt, who led Gemini and Apollo missions, dies at 93. NPR. 2022](https://www.npr.org/2022/10/17/1129511108/nasa-astronaut-jim-mcdivitt-dies-gemini-apollo)
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. [Source](https://www.npr.org/2022/10/17/1129511108/nasa-astronaut-jim-mcdivitt-dies-gemini-apollo)
24. [Source](https://catalog.archives.gov/id/10609791)
25. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/http://wallachprintsandphotos.nypl.org/catalog/509263)
26. Virtual International Authority File