Quick Facts
Biography
Henry Charles Gordon (December 23, 1925 – September 24, 1996), (Col, USAF), was an American aeronautical engineer, U.S. Air Force officer, test pilot, and astronaut in the X-20 Dyna-Soar program.
Early life and education
Gordon was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on December 23, 1925. In 1950 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University, and in 1966 he earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California. He is married and has four children.
Test pilot
Gordon was in the Air Force, and flew combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was selected as an astronaut in the X-20 Dyna-Soar program in April 1962 and began training at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California.
He retired as an astronaut when the Dyna-Soar program was cancelled on December 10, 1963, having never flown in space. He remained in the U.S. Air Force after the Dyna-Soar program was cancelled and retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel.
Death
Gordon died in Peoria, Arizona on September 24, 1996, age 70.