Honoring Veterans: Air Force Veteran Thomas Stafford

Thomas Stafford was born September 1930 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He grew up watching overhead flights, and his future studies were influenced by his teachers. In high school, he was the football captain, and he went on to spend his college years studying at the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science with honors in 1952. 

Stafford was then commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base for test pilot school. He graduated at the top of his class and was offered a teaching slot, which is when he co-wrote two textbooks for trainees.

Stafford was appointed as an astronaut with NASA in September 1962. He made his first flight in December 1965 on Gemini 6, a precursor to America’s ability to reach the moon, as it proved with precision the viability of rendezvous in space.

In November 1975, Stafford left NASA and became commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center. He was promoted to lieutenant general in March 1978, then became Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition.

Stafford retired in November 1979 and received multiple awards, including an Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Command Pilot Astronaut Wings, two NASA Exceptional Service Medals and a Congressional Space Medal of Honor. 

Stafford died in March 2024.

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for Honoring Veterans

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s Honoring Veterans social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Writer: Trinity Green

Editor: Tayler Rairigh

Researcher: Raphael Romea

Graphic Designer: Kiki Kelley