Astronaut Eugene Cernan: America's Race to the Moon and Beyond

Eugene Cernan was an American astronaut who played a pivotal role in the United States' space exploration program. He was the last man to walk on the moon, during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Cernan's journey to space was a remarkable one, filled with both triumph and tragedy.

This article will take a closer look at the life and career of Eugene Cernan, exploring his childhood, his military service, and his experiences as an astronaut. We will also discuss the impact of his work on space exploration and his legacy as one of the most accomplished astronauts of all time.

Early Life and Education

Eugene Cernan was born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. His father was a police officer, and his mother was a homemaker. Cernan had two older sisters and a younger brother.

Cernan attended St. Ignatius College Prep, a Jesuit high school in Chicago. He was an excellent student and excelled in math and science. Cernan also enjoyed playing sports, and he was a member of the football team.

After graduating from high school, Cernan attended Purdue University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. He majored in electrical engineering and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy upon his graduation in 1956.

Military Service

After completing his ROTC training, Cernan served as a naval aviator with the U.S. Navy's elite "Top Gun" squadron. He flew several combat missions during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Cernan's military service was instrumental in preparing him for the challenges of space exploration. He learned to fly high-performance aircraft, and he developed the quick reflexes and decision-making skills that would be essential for his missions in space.

Astronaut Career

Cernan was selected to join the astronaut corps in 1966. He was a member of the Apollo 10 crew, which performed the first crewed flight around the moon in 1969. Cernan also served as the backup commander for the Apollo 16 mission.

In 1972, Cernan commanded the Apollo 17 mission, the last of the Apollo moon landings. He and his fellow crew members, Harrison Schmitt and Ronald Evans, spent more than two days on the moon, conducting experiments and collecting lunar samples.

Cernan's final words on the moon were: "We leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return: with peace and hope for all mankind."

Legacy

Eugene Cernan was a pioneering astronaut who made significant contributions to space exploration. He was the last man to walk on the moon, and his legacy as one of the most accomplished astronauts of all time will continue to inspire generations to come.

Cernan received numerous awards and honors for his work in space. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford in 1978. Cernan also received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1979.

Cernan died on January 16, 2017, at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Jan, and two daughters, Tracy and Kelly.

Eugene Cernan was a true American hero. He served his country with honor and distinction, both in the military and in space. His accomplishments will forever be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in human history.