US Astronaut. A veteran of multiple flights to space, he commanded the STS-34 Atlantis which successfully deployed the Galileo spacecraft to explore Jupiter (1989). After graduating high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1964. He enlisted with the United States Navy and following flight training, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served in an attack squadron. Williams compiled 330 combat missions during his military service. Following his return home, he remained with the Navy and served various assignments, prior to joining NASA in 1978. In 1985, Williams piloted the fourth flight of the Discovery and the sixteenth overall mission of the Shuttle Program. Among the many honors Williams received include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 2 Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, 2 Navy Unit Commendations and the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars. Williams co-starred in the 2005 film "The Wild Blue Yonder."
US Astronaut. A veteran of multiple flights to space, he commanded the STS-34 Atlantis which successfully deployed the Galileo spacecraft to explore Jupiter (1989). After graduating high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1964. He enlisted with the United States Navy and following flight training, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served in an attack squadron. Williams compiled 330 combat missions during his military service. Following his return home, he remained with the Navy and served various assignments, prior to joining NASA in 1978. In 1985, Williams piloted the fourth flight of the Discovery and the sixteenth overall mission of the Shuttle Program. Among the many honors Williams received include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, 2 Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V, 2 Navy Unit Commendations and the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 stars. Williams co-starred in the 2005 film "The Wild Blue Yonder."
Bio by: C.S.
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