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Clifton C. Williams, Jr. Biography

From NASA, for About.com

NAME:

Clifton C. Williams, Jr. (Major, USMC)

PERSONAL DATA: Born September 26, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama. Died on October 5, 1967, near Tallahassee, Florida, in the crash of a T-38 jet. He is survived by his wife Jane and a daughter. EDUCATION: Graduated from Murphy High School, Mobile, Alabama; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and member of Pi Tau Sigma (national mechanical honorary, and Tau Beta Pi (national engineering society).

EXPERIENCE: Williams, a Marine Corps Major, graduated from the Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland.

He was test pilot for three years in the Carrier Suitability Branch of the Flight Test Division at Patuxent River. His work there included land based and shipboard tests of the F8E, TF8A, F8E (attack), and A4E and automatic carrier landing system.

Of the 2,500 hours flying time accumulated, he has more than 2,100 hours in jet aircraft. Selected as a member of the Astronaut Corps.

NASA EXPERIENCE:

Williams was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup pilot for the Gemini 10 mission and worked in the areas of launch operations and crew safety.

Major Williams died on October 5, 1967, near Tallahassee, Florida, in the crash of a T-38 jet.

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