Eugene Francis "Gene" Kranz was born on August 17, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio. From a young age, he was fascinated with the concept of flight and the idea of exploring the unknown reaches of space. This passion led him to pursue a career in aviation, eventually becoming a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Kranz attended St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo before enrolling at Parks College of Saint Louis University. He earned a degree in aeronautical engineering and later went on to work for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation as a flight test engineer.
In 1960, Kranz joined NASA as a flight controller at the newly formed Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the flight director for the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
During the Apollo 13 mission, an oxygen tank explosion caused a critical failure that jeopardized the lives of the astronauts on board. Kranz and his team in Mission Control worked tirelessly to troubleshoot the issue and develop a plan to safely bring the crew back to Earth. Due to their quick thinking and ingenuity, the astronauts were successfully returned to Earth, and Kranz became known as a hero for his efforts.
Kranz's role in the Apollo 13 mission was immortalized in the 1995 film "Apollo 13," where he was portrayed by actor Ed Harris. He has been celebrated as a key figure in NASA's history and was voted the #2 most popular space hero in a 2010 survey.
In addition to his work with NASA, Kranz was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to the space program.
Kranz's father, Leo, served as an Army medic in World War I, instilling in him a sense of duty and service to his country. He has been married to his wife, Marta, for over 50 years and has children and grandchildren who continue to carry on his legacy.
Gene Kranz's career as a NASA flight director and his pivotal role in the Apollo 13 mission have solidified his place in history as a legend of the space program. His dedication, leadership, and quick thinking under pressure have inspired generations of astronauts and flight controllers to reach for the stars and push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration.
Related links