# Richard F. Gordon

> American astronaut (1929–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q502963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q502963)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_F._Gordon_Jr.)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-f-gordon

## Summary
Richard F. Gordon was an American astronaut and naval officer who served as Command Module Pilot for Apollo 12, the second manned mission to land on the Moon. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the U.S. space program as a test pilot, astronaut, and later in private industry.

## Biography
- Born: October 5, 1929
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Washington, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Known for: Apollo 12 Command Module Pilot
- Employer(s): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), University of Washington, Naval Postgraduate School, United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Field(s): Military, aviation, space exploration

## Contributions
Richard F. Gordon's most significant contribution was his role as Command Module Pilot for Apollo 12, which launched on November 14, 1969, and was the second crewed mission to land on the Moon. During this mission, he orbited the Moon while his crewmates conducted lunar surface operations. Prior to his astronaut career, Gordon served as a test pilot and naval officer, contributing to the advancement of aviation technology. He was part of NASA Astronaut Group 3, selected in 1963, which trained astronauts for the Gemini and Apollo programs.

## FAQs
**What space missions was Richard F. Gordon part of?**
Richard F. Gordon was the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 12, the second mission to land humans on the Moon. He orbited the Moon while his crewmates Pete Conrad and Alan Bean conducted surface activities from November 19-20, 1969.

**What military positions did Richard F. Gordon hold?**
Richard F. Gordon served as a military officer in the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of Captain. His military background included roles as a test pilot and naval aviator.

**How did Richard F. Gordon contribute to aviation before becoming an astronaut?**
Before joining NASA, Gordon worked as a test pilot and naval aviator, helping to evaluate and certify new aircraft performance. He served at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, which specialized in post-graduate professional education for military aviators.

**What awards and honors did Richard F. Gordon receive?**
Richard F. Gordon was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and was inducted into both the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame for his contributions to space exploration and aviation.

**What was Richard F. Gordon's educational background?**
Richard F. Gordon attended the University of Washington, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the United States Naval Test Pilot School as part of his professional education and training.

## Why They Matter
Richard F. Gordon's contribution to space exploration helped advance America's capabilities in lunar exploration during the Apollo era. As Command Module Pilot on Apollo 12, he maintained spacecraft systems while his crewmates conducted the second lunar landing, proving the reliability of NASA's lunar exploration program. His dual expertise as both a naval officer and astronaut exemplified the military-astronaut pipeline that was critical to early space program success. His induction into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and National Aviation Hall of Fame underscores his lasting impact on both aviation and space exploration history.

## Notable For
- Command Module Pilot for Apollo 12, the second lunar landing mission (1969)
- Member of NASA Astronaut Group 3, selected in 1963
- Received NASA Distinguished Service Medal for space exploration contributions
- Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for military service
- Inducted into United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame
- Served as a test pilot at United States Naval Test Pilot School
- Combined careers as naval officer, astronaut, and later private industry executive

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard F. Gordon was born on October 5, 1929, in the United States. He pursued higher education at the University of Washington, where he likely completed his undergraduate studies. His educational path continued at the Naval Postgraduate School, and he advanced his aviation training at the United States Naval Test Pilot School, which was established in 1945 to provide specialized education for military test pilots.

### Military Career
Gordon served as a military officer in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Captain. During his military service, he served as a naval aviator and test pilot, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his achievements. His experience as a test pilot was particularly valuable in his later career with NASA, as this specialized role involved evaluating new aircraft performance and systems during test flights.

### NASA Career
In 1963, Richard F. Gordon was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 3, which was instrumental in preparing for both the Gemini and Apollo programs. His most significant mission was Apollo 12, launched on November 14, 1969, where he served as Command Module Pilot. While his crewmates Pete Conrad and Alan Bean conducted the second lunar landing, Gordon remained in lunar orbit, operating the command module "Yankee Clipper" and conducting scientific observations of the lunar surface. The mission successfully landed on the Moon's Ocean of Storms and returned with valuable lunar samples and data.

### Professional Legacy
After his NASA career, Richard F. Gordon applied his expertise in multiple fields, including business and potentially screenwriting, as suggested by his occupation listings. His dual experience in military service and space exploration made him a valuable contributor to both public and private sectors. His legacy includes induction into prestigious aviation and space halls of fame, commemorating his contributions to advancing human spaceflight capabilities and aviation technology.

### Impact on Space Exploration
As an astronaut who participated in a lunar mission, Gordon's work directly contributed to achieving the United States' goal of landing humans on the Moon during the Apollo program. His role as Command Module Pilot was critical to mission success, demonstrating the importance of specialized crew positions in complex space missions. His selection for NASA Astronaut Group 3 placed him among the key figures who expanded humanity's presence beyond Earth's orbit.

### Recognition and Honors
Throughout his career, Richard F. Gordon received numerous recognitions for his contributions. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA, for his distinguished ability, courage, and skill. The Distinguished Flying Cross, a military decoration awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, further honored his military service. His induction into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame solidified his permanent place in aerospace history.

## References

1. [Source](https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/index.html#/arlington-national/)
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/richard-f-gordon-jr/)
4. [Astronauts Laud Gemini as Precursor to Shuttle. Albuquerque Journal. 1982](https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28841417/albuquerque_journal/)
5. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm)
6. [Source](https://planet4589.org/space/astro/rides.html)
7. Find a Grave
8. Croatian Encyclopedia
9. Munzinger Personen
10. [Richard Gordon, Gemini and Apollo Astronaut, Dies at 88](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/07/obituaries/richard-gordon-gemini-and-apollo-astronaut-dies-at-88.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/astronautprofiles/gordon)
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/gordon_richard_0.pdf)
15. The Movie Database