On July 17, 1962, Robert Michael White ascended to an altitude of 314,750 feet in the North American X-15, becoming the first pilot to earn astronaut wings in a winged craft. This mission secured his place in aviation history as he reached nearly 60 miles above the Earth, demonstrating that human flight could extend into space.
Early Military Service and World War II
Born in 1924 in New York City, White entered military service in November 1942 as an aviation cadet with the United States Army Air Forces. After receiving his pilot wings in 1944, he joined the 355th Fighter Group. He flew 52 combat missions in P-51 Mustangs over the European Theater before being shot down over Germany in February 1945, remaining a prisoner of war until April.
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Following the war, White balanced education at New York University with Air Force Reserve duties. After recalls for the Korean War, he moved into systems engineering and attended the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. He later tested advanced aircraft, including the F-102 Delta Dagger, F-104 Starfighter, and F-105 Thunderchief, preparing for his role in the X-15 program.
X-15 Flight Records
Designated as a primary pilot for the X-15 in 1958, White conducted his first test in April 1960. He achieved significant speed records, reaching Mach 4 and Mach 5, before becoming the first pilot to fly at Mach 6 on November 9, 1961. These accomplishments earned him the Robert J. Collier Trophy and the designation of Command Pilot Astronaut.
Vietnam War and Command Roles
White returned to active combat during the Vietnam War in 1967 as Deputy Commander for Operations of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. He led an attack on the Paul Doumer Bridge in Hanoi and earned the Air Force Cross. Later, he returned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to direct the F-15 Eagle program and served as commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center until his retirement.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, New York City
- Died: 2010, Orlando
- Military Rank: Major General
- Education: New York University, George Washington University
- Notable Award: Air Force Cross
- Final Resting Place: Arlington National Cemetery
- Key Program: North American X-15
Questions readers ask
Did Robert Michael White fly into space?
Yes, on July 17, 1962, he flew the X-15 to an altitude of 314,750 feet, qualifying as an astronaut under U.S. criteria.
What aircraft did he test during his career?
He tested several military aircraft including the F-86 Sabre, F-89 Scorpion, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-104 Starfighter, and F-105 Thunderchief.
Achievements
- Expeditions: sub-orbital spaceflight
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Legionnaire of Legion of Merit
- Air Medal
- Recorded as military officer, astronaut and engineer
