72-113 Von Braun to retire from NASA
NASA, Washington, D.C. 20546, Phone: (202) 755-8370
FOR RELEASE: 11 AM, FRIDAY, May 26, 1972
Miles M. Waggoner(Phone: 202/755-S370)
RELEASE NO: 72-113
VON BRAUN TO RETIRE FROM NASA
Dr. Wernher von Braun, Deputy Associate Administrator has retired from NASA to join Fairchild Industries as Corporate Vice-President for Engineering and Development. The move is effective July 1.
Commenting on Dr. von Braun's decision, Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator said:
"Dr. von Braun's decision to retire from NASA is a source of great regret to all of us at the agency.
"For more than a quarter of a century, he has served the United States as the leader in space rocket development. His efforts first put the United States in space with Explorer I. As Director of the Marshall Space Flight Center for over 10 years, he directed the development of the world's most powerfui rocket, the Saturn V -- which has taken 10 American astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
"All of us in NASA will miss the daily stimulation of his presence, but we are confident that we will continue to have the benefit of his inspiration and counsel in the continuing exploration and use of space."
Dr. von Braun said, "I leave NASA with a deep feeling of gratitude for the wonderful and unique opportunities the agency has given me during the last 12 years.
"Most recently I have devoted my energies to help define future program objectives for the agency. I am leaving with the knowledge that NASA has enough well thought out plans to keep it moving ahead for many years to come, even though some of these may have to be deferred begause of budget constraints.
"I would like to devote my time now to help implement some space projects I feel are of particular importance. I think I can do this best in private industry where the tools of progress are being made.
"! have enjoyed to the fullest, my past association with the space agency and those fellow scientists and engineers with whom I worked.
"I look forward to a continuing rewarding association with them and wlsh them luck and success."
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