James McDivitt
James McDivitt is a former American astronaut who played a significant role in the United States’ space program in the 1960s. McDivitt was born on June 10, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1951.
After graduating from college, McDivitt joined the United States Air Force and began a career as a pilot. He served as a fighter pilot during the Korean War and later became a test pilot, flying numerous experimental aircraft.
In 1962, McDivitt was selected by NASA as one of the “New Nine” astronauts, a group of astronauts who were chosen to join the second phase of the United States’ space program. He went on to serve as the commander of the Gemini 4 and Apollo 9 missions during his career as an astronaut.
During the Gemini 4 mission, which was launched on June 3, 1965, McDivitt became the first American astronaut to spend more than 24 hours in space. He and his fellow astronaut, Edward White, also conducted the first American spacewalk during the mission.
McDivitt later served as the commander of the Apollo 9 mission, which was launched on March 3, 1969. The mission was critical in testing the Lunar Module’s capabilities and systems in Earth orbit before the first manned lunar landing mission.
McDivitt has been a vocal advocate for further investigation and research into UFO sightings and encounters. He has expressed his belief that the government should be more forthcoming with information about the phenomenon and has called for greater scientific investigation into the topic.
In particular, McDivitt has been involved in the study of anomalous objects seen during space missions. During the Gemini 4 mission, McDivitt and White observed an object that appeared to be cylindrical with a “pole sticking out.” McDivitt took several photographs of the object, but only one was publicly released. The photograph has been analyzed and debated by UFO researchers, with some suggesting that it is evidence of an extraterrestrial craft or other unexplained phenomenon.
McDivitt’s interest in UFOs has led him to become involved in various organizations and initiatives related to the subject. He has served as a member of the board of directors for the Center for UFO Studies, an organization founded by UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek. He has also participated in conferences and discussions about UFOs and has spoken publicly about his beliefs regarding the phenomenon.
Facts about James McDivitt include:
- McDivitt was the first American astronaut to perform a spacewalk, during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965. (Source: NASA)
- McDivitt’s photograph of an object seen during the Gemini 4 mission has been the subject of UFO speculation and debate. (Source: National Archives)
- McDivitt has been a vocal advocate for greater scientific investigation into UFO sightings and encounters. (Source: “Unidentified: Inside America’s UFO Investigation,” History Channel)
He has been awarded numerous honors and awards for his service, including the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.
“The Right Stuff” by Tom Wolfe, which provides an in-depth look at the experiences of the original group of American astronauts, including McDivitt.
