Frank Borman, American colonel, pilot, and astronaut

Frank Frederick Borman II, born on March 14, 1928, stands as a towering figure in American history, a man whose illustrious career spanned military service, pioneering space exploration, and executive leadership in the business world. This remarkable individual is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) colonel, an accomplished aeronautical engineer, a daring test pilot, a shrewd businessman, and, perhaps most famously, a revered NASA astronaut. His name is synonymous with the Apollo 8 mission, a groundbreaking journey that made history as the first human spaceflight to orbit the Moon. As commander of Apollo 8, Borman, alongside his intrepid crewmates Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, became one of the initial 24 humans ever to witness Earthrise from beyond our home planet, an achievement that earned him the prestigious Congressional Space Medal of Honor. Demonstrating his incredible longevity and enduring legacy, as of 2022, Frank Borman holds the distinction of being the oldest living former American astronaut, just eleven days senior to his Apollo 8 colleague, Jim Lovell.

A Distinguished Beginning: West Point, Air Force, and Advanced Studies

Borman's path to the stars began on solid academic ground. Just four days before graduating from West Point in the distinguished Class of 1950, where he ranked an impressive eighth out of 670 cadets, he received his commission in the United States Air Force. His early military career saw him qualify as a fighter pilot, serving with distinction in the Philippines. Never one to rest on his laurels, Borman pursued further education, earning a Master of Science degree from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1957. Following this, he returned to West Point, this time as an assistant professor of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, imparting his knowledge to the next generation of military leaders. His passion for aviation continued to evolve, leading him to a pivotal point in 1960 when he was selected for Class 60-C at the elite USAF Experimental Flight Test Pilot School, located at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Here, he honed his skills and qualified as a test pilot, a critical step toward his future endeavors. Upon graduation, his exceptional talent was recognized once more, securing him a coveted spot as one of only five students in the inaugural class at the Aerospace Research Pilot School, setting the stage for his eventual transition to NASA.

Journey to the Stars: NASA and the Space Race

The call to space came in 1962 when Frank Borman was selected as a NASA astronaut, joining the esteemed second group of astronauts, famously known as the "Next Nine." His tenure at NASA was marked by several significant achievements. In 1966, he demonstrated remarkable endurance and leadership as the commander of Gemini 7, a mission that set a fourteen-day spaceflight endurance record, proving that humans could withstand prolonged periods in space. Borman's analytical mind and leadership qualities were further utilized when he served on the NASA review board tasked with investigating the tragic Apollo 1 fire, contributing to the crucial safety improvements that would benefit future missions. The pinnacle of his astronaut career arrived in December 1968, when he commanded Apollo 8, embarking on a daring voyage to the Moon. This mission is etched into the annals of history for several iconic moments: the breathtaking "Earthrise" photograph, expertly captured by Bill Anders, showing our vibrant planet emerging above the stark lunar horizon as the Command/Service Module orbited the Moon; and the poignant reading from the Book of Genesis, televised to Earth from lunar orbit on Christmas Eve, a moment of profound spiritual and human connection broadcast to millions worldwide. Even after his pioneering Moon mission, Borman remained an integral part of NASA's efforts. During the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing mission, he served as the crucial NASA liaison at the White House, where he had the privilege of watching the launch unfold on television alongside President Richard Nixon, a testament to his continued importance and trust within the highest echelons of government and the space program.

From Space to Boardroom: A Post-NASA Career

Following an extraordinary career in space, Frank Borman retired from NASA and the Air Force in 1970, transitioning his formidable leadership skills to the corporate world. He joined Eastern Air Lines, quickly rising through the ranks to become senior vice president for operations. His ascent continued, and in 1975, he was appointed chief executive officer, taking on the additional role of chairman of the board in 1976. Under his astute leadership, Eastern Air Lines experienced its four most profitable years in its history, a remarkable turnaround. However, the airline industry faced significant challenges, particularly with the advent of airline deregulation and the substantial debt Borman took on to modernize the fleet with new aircraft. These pressures led to difficult decisions, including pay cuts and layoffs, which unfortunately resulted in conflict with the airline's unions. This tumultuous period ultimately led to his resignation in 1986. After his demanding corporate career, Borman sought a quieter life, moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he ran a successful Ford dealership with his son, Fred. Later, in 1998, the father-son duo expanded their entrepreneurial ventures by purchasing a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, demonstrating Borman's continued spirit of enterprise and his enjoyment of a life beyond the cockpit and the boardroom.

FAQs About Frank Borman

Who is Frank Borman?

Frank Borman is a highly distinguished retired United States Air Force colonel, an aeronautical engineer, a test pilot, a businessman, and a pioneering NASA astronaut, most famous for commanding the Apollo 8 mission.

What is Frank Borman famous for?

He is primarily famous for being the commander of Apollo 8, the first mission to fly around the Moon, making him one of the first 24 humans to do so. He also set a spaceflight endurance record on Gemini 7.

When was Frank Borman born?

Frank Borman was born on March 14, 1928.

What was the Apollo 8 mission?

Apollo 8 was a landmark NASA mission in December 1968, which was the first human spaceflight to orbit the Moon. It famously captured the "Earthrise" photograph and televised a Christmas Eve reading from Genesis to Earth.

What did Frank Borman do after NASA?

After retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1970, Borman became a senior executive at Eastern Air Lines, eventually serving as CEO and chairman. Later, he ran a Ford dealership with his son in New Mexico and owned a cattle ranch in Montana.