Walter Cunningham

Easton Press Walter Cunningham books

The All American Boys - Signed Limited Edition - 2008

 

Astronaut Walter Cunningham

Walter Cunningham, born on March 16, 1932, in Crestwood, Iowa, is an American astronaut and former fighter pilot who made significant contributions to space exploration during the Apollo program. Cunningham's journey into the realm of space began with his early fascination with aviation and space technology. Cunningham's early years were marked by a passion for flying. After completing high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a fighter pilot. His skill and dedication earned him the rank of Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Cunningham's military career provided him with the necessary experience and discipline that would later prove invaluable in his astronaut training.

Walter Cunningham's opportunity to leave Earth's atmosphere came when he was selected as an astronaut by NASA in October 1963. He was a part of the third group of astronauts chosen for the Apollo program, and his dedication to the mission was evident throughout the training process. Cunningham served as the pilot for the Apollo 7 mission, the first crewed mission in the Apollo program that aimed to test the Command and Service Modules in Earth orbit. On October 11, 1968, Cunningham, along with fellow astronauts Wally Schirra and Donn Eisele, launched aboard the Apollo 7 spacecraft. The mission was a critical success, proving the functionality of the spacecraft and paving the way for subsequent lunar missions. Cunningham's contributions to the Apollo 7 mission were instrumental in establishing NASA's confidence in crewed spaceflight.

Following his historic spaceflight, Cunningham left NASA and continued to make significant contributions to various fields. He became a successful businessman, author, and public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights from his time as an astronaut. His book, The All-American Boys, co-authored with fellow astronaut James Lovell, provides a detailed account of the Apollo program and the challenges faced by the early pioneers of space exploration. Walter Cunningham's legacy extends beyond his time with NASA. His commitment to exploration, coupled with his achievements in both the military and civilian sectors, has left an indelible mark on the history of space exploration. Cunningham's life story serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the courage and determination required to push the boundaries of human achievement.

 

The All American Boys

Former astronaut tells of graft, scandals, and escapades involving members of the space program and reveals much about the private lives of his colleagues at NASA.

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 glory in this dramatically revised and updated edition 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 a story of the triumph of American heroes. Cunningham brings us into NASA's training program and reveals what it takes to be an astronaut. He poignantly relates the story of the devastating Apollo 1 fire that took the lives of three astronauts 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.