Norman R. Augustine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Norm Augustine
United States Secretary of the Army
Acting
In office July 3, 1975 – August 5, 1975
President	Gerald Ford
Preceded by	Bo Callaway
Succeeded by	Martin Richard Hoffmann
United States Under Secretary of the Army
In office May 1975 – July 1977
President	Gerald Ford Jimmy Carter
Preceded by	Herman R. Staudt
Succeeded by	Walter B. LaBerge
Personal details
Born	Norman Ralph Augustine (1935-07-27) July 27, 1935 (age 89) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Education	Princeton University (BS, MS)

Norman Ralph "Norm" Augustine (born July 27, 1935) is an important American businessman in the aerospace industry. This means he worked with companies that build airplanes, rockets, and spacecraft. He also served as a high-ranking official in the U.S. government. From 1975 to 1977, he was the United States Under Secretary of the Army. Later, he became the chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, a very large aerospace company. He also led a special committee that looked at plans for human space travel in the United States.

In 1983, Norm Augustine was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was because he was very good at combining engineering, analysis, and management skills. He used these skills to complete major aerospace projects.

Norm Augustine's Career Journey

Early Life and Education

Norm Augustine grew up in Colorado. He went to Princeton University and graduated with high honors. He earned degrees in Aeronautical Engineering, which is the study of designing and building aircraft. For his final project, he helped design a supersonic trainer aircraft. He was also chosen for several honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa, which recognize excellent students.

Working in Aerospace and Government

In 1958, Augustine started his career at the Douglas Aircraft Company in California. There, he worked as a research engineer and managed different projects. In 1965, he began working for the government in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Later, in 1970, he joined LTV Missiles and Space Company. He was in charge of new programs and marketing. He returned to government service in 1973 as Assistant Secretary of the Army. By 1975, he became the Under Secretary of the Army, and for a short time, the Acting Secretary of the Army.

Leading Major Companies

In 1977, Augustine joined the Martin Marietta Corporation. He quickly moved up, becoming CEO in 1987 and chairman in 1988. He had also been the company's president. In 1990, he led a committee that advised on the future of the U.S. Space Program.

When Martin Marietta merged with Lockheed in 1995 to form the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Augustine became its president. He then became CEO later that year. He retired as CEO of Lockheed Martin in April 1997. After that, he taught at Princeton University until 1999.

Supporting Technology and Public Service

In 1999, Norm Augustine helped start In-Q-Tel. This is a company that helps the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) find and invest in new technologies.

Augustine has also served in many important public service roles. He was the chairman of the American Red Cross for nine years. He also led the National Academy of Engineering and the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of important boards, including those for companies like Procter & Gamble. He advised the Department of Homeland Security and the President on science and technology for 16 years. He is also a member of the Explorers Club, which is for people who explore new places.

In May 2009, Augustine was chosen to lead a committee that reviewed NASA's plans for exploring the Moon, Mars, and beyond. In 2011, he helped assess U.S. activities in the South Pole. He also joined a council focused on making the U.S. less reliant on oil for transportation. Today, he advises organizations that support military families and schools for gifted children in science and math.

Recognitions and Writings

Norm Augustine has received many top honors. The President of the United States gave him the National Medal of Technology. He also received the highest civilian awards from the Department of Defense multiple times.

He has written several books, including "The Defense Revolution," "Shakespeare In Charge," and "Augustine's Laws." He has received 34 honorary degrees from universities. He was also named one of "Fifty Great Americans" by Who's Who in America. He has traveled to over 130 countries and even visited both the North and South Poles!

Awards and Honors

A graph showing Augustine's law Number XVI: "In the year 2054, the entire defense budget will purchase just one aircraft." This law humorously suggests that defense costs could rise so much that only one aircraft could be afforded in the future.

Norm Augustine has received many awards for his achievements:

• Eagle Scout, 1952 (The highest rank in Boy Scouts)
• Member of the National Academy of Engineering, 1983
• National Space Club Goddard Award, 1991 (For contributions to space)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1992
• Rotary National Award for Space Achievement National Space Trophy, 1992
• Silver Buffalo Award, 1994 (A top award from the Boy Scouts of America)
• Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, 1995
• National Medal of Technology and Innovation, 1997 (Given by the U.S. President for his leadership in aerospace)
• The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, 1997 (NASA's highest award for non-government individuals)
• Space Foundation's General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, 2002 (The highest honor from the Space Foundation)
• Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences, 2006
• The 2007 Bower Award for Business Leadership, from The Franklin Institute
• NAA Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, 2008 (For significant public service of enduring value to aviation)
• National Science Board Vannevar Bush Award, 2008
• IRI Medal from the Industrial Research Institute, 2009
• NAS Award in Aeronautical Engineering from the National Academy of Sciences, 2010
• The Wings Club Distinguished Achievement Award, 2011
• Arthur C. Clarke Lifetime Achievement Award, 2014 (Named after the famous science fiction writer, for contributions to space)
• International Von Karman Wings Award, 2015 (For his leadership and service in aerospace and defense)