The All-American Boys - Hardcover

Walter Cunningham

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0743458494 ISBN 13: 9780743458498

Publisher: Ibooks, 2003

Synopsis

"The All-American Boys" 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 strengths and their weaknesses in this dramatically revised and totally updated edition of a book 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, "The All-American Boys" resonates with Cunningham's passion for humanity's destiny in space which endures today. This is not just a "tell-all" book. It is also a story of the triumph of American heroes. Cunningham brings us into the NASA training program and reveals what it takes physically and mentally to be an astronaut. He poignantly relates the story of the devastating Apollo 1 fire that took the lives of astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee 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.

About this title

Review:

"Cunningham's book is the best of all the astronaut books."

About the Author:

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 the 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. Cuningham 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, 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 honours. In addition he is a radio talk show host and frequent lecturer throughout the United Staets, Europe, and Asia.

About this edition

• Publisher: Ibooks
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0743458494
• ISBN 13: 9780743458498
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320