Forrest S. McCartney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Forrest S. McCartney
|
|
|---|---|
Lt. General Forrest McCartney, USAF
USAF Official Photo |
|
| Born | March 23, 1931 Fort Payne, Alabama |
| Died | July 17, 2012 (aged 81) Palm Bay, Florida |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1952–1986 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal Air Force Commendation Medal National Defense Service Medal |
| Other work | Director of the Kennedy Space Center |
Forrest Striplin McCartney (born March 23, 1931 – died July 17, 2012) was an important leader in the United States Air Force. He reached the high rank of lieutenant general. After his military career, he became the director of NASA's famous John F. Kennedy Space Center.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Forrest McCartney was born in Fort Payne, Alabama. He attended the Gulf Coast Military Academy and finished there in 1949. He then went to Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn. In 1952, he earned a degree in electrical engineering.
McCartney continued his studies to learn even more. In 1955, he received a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He also graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College.
Military Career
McCartney joined the regular United States Air Force in 1952. He became an officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. This program helps college students become military officers.
Working with Spy Satellites
In May 1959, McCartney was sent to the Satellite Control Facility in Sunnyvale, California. Here, he worked on a secret project called the CORONA program. This program was very important for the National Reconnaissance Office. They used it to launch and operate the nation's first spy satellites. These satellites helped the United States gather important information from space.
Reaching High Rank
Forrest McCartney was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general on May 1, 1983. This is a very senior leadership position in the Air Force. He stayed at this rank until he retired from the military.
Leading the Kennedy Space Center
In 1986, after his successful military career, McCartney was chosen for a new challenge. NASA Administrator James C. Fletcher selected him to be the fourth director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center. This is a very important place where rockets and spacecraft are launched.
McCartney served as the director of the Kennedy Space Center from August 31, 1986, until December 31, 1991. During his time there, he helped lead many important space missions.
Later Life
Forrest McCartney passed away in Palm Bay, Florida, on July 17, 2012. He was 81 years old.
