All-American boys - Walter Cunningham

This is a no-holds-barred candid memoir by a former Marine jet jockey and physicist who became NASA's second civilian astronaut. Walter Cunningham presents the astronauts in all their glory in this dramatically revised and updated edition that was considered an instant classic in its first edition over two decades ago. From its insider's view of the pervasive "astropolitics" that guided the functioning of the astronaut corps to its thoughtful discussion of the Columbia tragedy, this book resonates with Cunningham's passion for humanity's destiny in space which endures today. This is a story of the triumph of American heroes. Cunningham brings us into NASA's training program and reveals what it takes to be an astronaut. He poignantly relates the story of the devastating Apollo 1 fire that took the lives of three astronauts and his own later successful flight on Apollo 7. This new edition includes an update of the manned space program and his "tell it like it is" observation of NASA's successes and failures. It also includes commentary on the Shuttle disasters of Challenger and Columbia and his views on what NASA should be doing to get back on track and to regain public support.

Walter Cunningham is perhaps best known as America's second civilian astronaut. He flew in space on Apollo 7, the first manned flight of the Apollo Program, and was Chief of the Skylab Branch of the Astronaut Office. Cunningham joined U.S. Navy in 1951 and became a Marine Corps fighter pilot in 1953, serving on active duty until 1956, and in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1977 when he retired with the rank of colonel, USMCR. Cunningham accumulated more than 4,500 hours of flying time, including more than 3,400 in jet aircraft and 263 hours in space. Cunningham is currently a successful businessman and investor and director of numerous public and private companies. He is a civic leader, is listed in all major Who's Who publications and is a recipient of numerous national and international honors. In addition he is a radio talk show host and frequent lecturer throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.