When was Edward Higgins White II born and where?
Edward Higgins White II was born on the 14th of November 1930, in San Antonio, Texas. His father served as a major general in the United States Air Force.
Questions about Ed White (astronaut)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Ed White become an astronaut for NASA Group 2?
Ed White was selected as one of nine men chosen by NASA as part of Astronaut Group 2 in September 1962 after being submitted to the agency in 1962. He entered West Point on the 15th of July 1948 and later enrolled at the University of Michigan under Air Force sponsorship to study aeronautical engineering.
What happened during Ed White's spacewalk on June 3rd 1965?
On the 3rd of June 1965, Ed White became the first American to make an EVA while aboard Gemini 4. He used an oxygen-propelled gun called the Hand-Held Maneuvering Unit to propel himself but had to be ordered back into the spacecraft due to time constraints.
Why did Ed White die during the Apollo 1 fire on January 27th 1967?
A fire broke out in the pure oxygen-filled cabin of Apollo 1 at 18:31 on the 27th of January 1967, killing all three crewmen instantly. The plug door design required venting pressure that could not be achieved because Grissom was unable to reach the cabin vent control to his left where the fire originated.
When was Ed White posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor?
President Clinton presented the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the White family in 1997. This award recognized his service and sacrifice following the Apollo 1 tragedy.