The information about Robert Lawrence appears to be correct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Henry_Lawrence,_Jr .
I can not find any supporting information for Edward Dwight that
doesn't look like it came from a 14 year old.
http://www.newcommunity.org/clarion/jun99/articles/p12-2.html
Any other information would have to be verified.
-Aaron
From the book "Fallen Astronauts", by Colin Burgess (considered the
definitive work on many of the 'forgotten astronauts'):
"One truly controversial member of Class IV was Captain Edward Dwight,
who had entered the air force in 1953, eventually logging more than two
thousand hours in jet fighters while also carrying out a two-year tour
as a B-57 pilot. Dwight, who had a degree in aeronautical engineering,
found himself the focus of much unwanted media attention when he joined
the aerospace school. He was African American, and there was extreme
pressure on the ARPS to qualify him as an astronaut. It was tantamount
to an order, and in came directly from General Curtis LeMay, the air
force chief of staff. He was responding in turn to a demand from
Attorney General Bobby Knnedy to qualify a black officer as an
astronaut, whatever it took, so the administration could assert there
was no discrimination in the air force or in the nation's space agency."
"Dwight had originally been part of a reserve list to join Class IV, but
the orders from above saw his name included in the list of fifteen.
This only served to outrage the head of the ARPS, Chuck Yeager, who
checked out Dwight and rated him as "an average pilot with an average
academic background. He wasn't a bad pilot, but he wasn't exceptionally
talented either. Flying with a good bunch in a squadron, he would
probably get by. But he just couldn't compete in the space course
aganst the best crop of experienced military test pilots." Dwight
eventually graduated, but Yeager had made sure his name was placed at
the very bottom of the list of graduates, knowing full well that NASA
would only ever consider the top eight in each class for the civilian
space program."
My interpretation of all the above -- Dwight was one of the early
'victims' of affirmative action. He would probably have survived the
selection process of today's NASA, but he was 'forced' on the program as
a 'token' black, not as someone who had actually earned the position
solely on merit (or frankly, the 'first Black' in many positions has had
to prove themselves far BETTER than their contemporaries, in order to
break the color barrier, particularly during the Civil Rights
movement). Because of that, he didn't make it.
David Erbas-White
You, sir, are as offensive as your language. Please go away and
never offend this forum with your presence again...
If you were overheard using that language at a launch, you would be
asked to leave. NAR _OR_ TRA, it doesn't matter. Your racist attitude and
offensive language are obsolete. Please return to the obscurity from whence
you came...
Don't bother responding to me... You just made the filter...
James
<< a bunch of offensive garbage that should not be read by anyone >>
Why James, I didn't realize you control my freedom of speech! I guess
there is a little NAZI in all of
us!
So when did NAR get into the civil rights and 1st ammendment battle?
And how is my attitude RACIST?
I used WORDS in a certain CONTEXT, and that automatically makes me a
racist ... OMG ... you voted for Hillary didn't you? Or you would of
if you had the chance?
This kneejerk reponce is why we CAN'T have meaningful dialogue when it
comes to race in this country.
White men are really AFFRAID to speak about the condition of our
society because we are affraid to recieve
the lable of biggot.
James, if you put down the Red Bull, have a smoke, and go back and READ
what I posted, and comprehend,
you will see that my posting was very PRO black, and not a racial
slander against blacks. On the other hand, you a free to interpret it
anyway you desire ... just don't put words/meaning into my mouth ...
thanks!
Marino ... isn't Marino spanish? Did you hear the one about the
Spanish Drunk, the Rabbi and the Pope? Oh, better not go there less I
be labled a racist once again!
Lunar "Can't Jump" Bob
Please sir,
Go and do those things you say you enjoy. Your presence, demeanor, and
languge are all offensive. THIS MEANS YOU ARE A HORSES ASS regardless of
your education or intellect.
Dennis
Dennis,
Isn't it a shame we have fools like this idiot involved in our
hobby? Shame we can't just get him drummed out of the TRA. I think he
actually believes what he has posted. What a pity. If his attitude weren't
so offensive, he might be good for a laugh.
Education and intellect? You have GOT to be kidding! This man can't
spell at a fourth grade level! The man has no intelligence, or he would
realize that his freedom of speech does not include patently offending
everyone around him any more than it would include yelling "fire" in a
crowded theater. Makes me wonder if he would be willing to exercise his
freedom of speech in downtown Watts. Or his daughter's classroom. But then,
he wouldn't have a daughter, or a son. (But then, he just might. Then he
could pass along his ignorance to the next generation of idiots. And that is
part of the problem. This fool actually believes the crap that he is
spouting, and will do his damnedest to perpetuate his offensive and racist
attitudes.)
And thanks for leaving his post attached to yours, otherwise I would
not have seen it. I really did add him to my filter. He is now in good
company with the other boneheads that frequent this forum. The list is
growing... unfortunately.
Take care, Dennis.
James
READ Mr. Irvine ... like the felony court papers you hold ... read what
I posted.
I want to buy 200lbs of Rocket motors ... please just place them in a
plain brown box and stencle on the side: Encylopedias
Shhh I won't tell!
LOL ... you UNcitizen!
Jerry Irvine wrote:
OMG I just watched the NASSA film documentary for the 10th time and it
gets funnier every time! That shot of "Whites Only" stencled inside
the door of that Gemini capsule, and the blackstonaut being fired
unfire into the tree and exploding! OMFG this thing is hallarious!
The Klan leading Glenn up the gantry ... I salute the makers of this
film! Very "Blazing Saddles"esq , and just as funny!
Now where did I place my monthy donation to the NAACP or make that the
NASSA?! LOL ... you have to view this NASSA documentary!
ahh Jerry, this is america, remember? we have the constitutional right to be
a racist or a bigot.....heck this country was partially built on racism and
bigotry........
just because this bozohead used the "N" word doesn't mean hes a rascist, nor
does it just because he finds that "documentary" funny.... Heck for all we
know lunar Bob make be an african american. (I still call africam americans
Black people so I guess that makes me a racist, since I don''t use the
current politically correct term?) You of all people should not be so
politically correct..its fun to jump and pile on somebody else isn't it?
Any way I guess I'm a racist too, since I call illegal immigrants, illegal
aliens....
The only people we can insult and make fun of anymore are poor white
southern people:especially southern white males. ya know? the rednecks, and
trailer-trash, the ones that have no teeth, because they live their lifes in
poverty and have to decide whether to pay for food or dental bills?
shockie B)
Polytechforum.com is a website by engineers for engineers. It is not affiliated with any of manufacturers or vendors discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.