Thomas Stafford graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, Class of 1952. He was selected among the second group of astronauts in September 1962 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to participate in projects Gemini and Apollo. In December 1965 he was the pilot of Gemini VI, which was the first rendezvous in space, and helped in the development techniques to prove the basic theory and practicality of space rendezvous. In June 1966 he was commander of Gemini IX and performed three different types of rendezvous, including a demonstration of an early rendezvous that would be used in Apollo, the first Optical rendezvous, and a lunar-orbit-abort rendezvous. He retired in 1979 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.
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Born:
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Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Stafford and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford, United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Stafford and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Stafford and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.