The NASA Exceptional Bravery Medal is a
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research.
NASA was established in 1958, succeeding t ...
award for exemplary and courageous handling of an emergency by an individual who, independent of personal danger, has acted to prevent the loss of human life or U.S. government property. The award is open to government and non-government employees.
The first 6 medals were awarded and presented May 8, 1963, by NASA Associate Director Dr. Robert Seamons to Paul J. Balfe, John A. Gordon, Larry J. Hough, Curtis C. Lyon, Charles L. Manes and Lynn B. Rowe. On November 9, 1962, NASA pilot Jack B. McKay was test flying an
X-15
The North American X-15 is a hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft. It was operated by the United States Air Force and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as part of the X-plane series of experimental aircraft. The X-15 set speed ...
when it experienced engine failure. An emergency landing was made at Mud Lake, Nevada, where the aircraft flipped on its back. As part of the rescue crew, these 6 men worked to free McKay in the presence of lethal concentrations of unjettisoned
anhydrous ammonia fuel, saving McKay's life.
Exceptional Bravery Medals were awarded in 1969 to NASA engineers Bill B. McClure and Charles J. "Jack" Beverlin, who prevented the collapse and explosion of an
Atlas rocket
Atlas is a family of US missiles and space launch vehicles that originated with the SM-65 Atlas. The Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program was initiated in the late 1950s under the Convair Division of General Dynamics. Atlas was ...
at great risk to their own lives.
A feature on Mars was later named after them.
Medals were also awarded to Herbert W. Grandy in 1970, and to Paul D. Sebesta in 1974.
[ Subsequently, thirty eight workers at the ]Michoud Assembly Facility
The Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) is an manufacturing complex owned by NASA in New Orleans East, a district within New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. Organizationally it is part of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and is currentl ...
were awarded this medal for protecting the facility from flooding due to Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was a destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that caused over 1,800 fatalities and $125 billion in damage in late August 2005, especially in the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. It was at the time the cost ...
in 2005.
See also
*List of NASA awards
Awards and decorations of the United States government are civilian awards of the U.S. federal government which are typically issued for sustained meritorious service, in a civilian capacity, while serving in the U.S. federal government. Certain ...
References
John V. Becker, "The X-15 Program in Retrospect," 3rd Eugen Sänger Memorial Lecture, Bonn, Germany, Dec. 4–5, 1968, copy in the NASA Dryden Historical Reference Collection.
Bradley E. Rowe, A Personal Interview with a Hero. Telephone conversation with Retired Colonel Lynn B. Rowe, USAF, November 17, 2017.
External links
NASA Document, X-15 Frontier of Flight.pdf
NASA Armstrong FactSheet
(Provo Herald Archives, Tuesday May 7, 1963.)
NASA document Agency Awards Historical Recipient List
NASA awards
(1969-1978)
Awards and decorations of NASA, Exceptional Bravery Medal
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