Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
James
Alton
McDivitt
1929

–

Born:

Chicago

, 

Illinois

James McDivitt was commissioned through the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1951. During the Korean War he flew 145 combat missions. In 1959 he became a test pilot, and was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1962. He was command pilot for Gemini IV, a 66-orbit, 4-day mission in June 1965. Highlights of the mission included opening of the spacecraft cabin doors, an extravehicular activity period performed by pilot Ed White, and the completion of 12 scientific and medical experiments. During March 1969 he was also commander of Apollo 9, an earth orbital mission, which was the first demonstration of the entire set of Apollo flight hardware. He retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James Alton McDivitt, United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 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.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General James Alton McDivitt, 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 McDivitt and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    35th Bombardment Squadron

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant James Alton McDivitt, 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 while serving with the 35th Bombardment Squadron during 145 combat missions over Korea from 1952 to 1953. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James Alton McDivitt, United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    35th Bombardment Squadron

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant James Alton McDivitt, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 35th Bombardment Squadron during 145 combat missions over Korea from 1952 to 1953. 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.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General James Alton McDivitt, 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 McDivitt and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.