This distinguished Philadelphia native achieved success both in the sky and in space. Guion Bluford is an American pilot who, after a decorated military career, joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Read on at philadelphiayes.com to learn more about the fascinating life of this Philadelphian, including his birth, education, and first steps in his military and aerospace careers.
Becoming a Fighter Pilot
Guion “Guy” Bluford Jr. was born in the late fall of 1942 in the City of Brotherly Love. He spent his childhood there with his two younger brothers. From an early age, his parents taught him responsibility; he would look after his brothers while his father, Guion Sr., and his mother, Lolita, were at work.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Guion graduated and enrolled in one of Pennsylvania’s top universities, Penn State. There, he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. At the same time, he completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He later earned a master’s degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology and another advanced degree from a university in Houston.
As a U.S. Air Force pilot, he began gaining practical skills with the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The squadron participated in the Vietnam War, stationed at Cam Ranh Bay. Flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, Bluford flew 144 combat missions in Southeast Asia.
After the war in Vietnam, Bluford Jr. spent several years as an instructor pilot for new U.S. Air Force aviators.
Awards and Legacy
Guion Bluford Jr. also worked on staff at the U.S. Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory. There, he served first as the Deputy for Aeromechanics and later as the Branch Chief.
Late in the 20th century, Bluford made a life-changing decision when he applied to the American astronaut program. Following a rigorous selection process by a special expert panel, the Philadelphian was chosen to participate in space exploration projects.
The native of the City of Brotherly Love became the first African American to fly in space. Among the American pilots who made this career transition, Bluford was also the first African American to return to space four times. In total, the astronaut spent over 688 hours off our planet.
In 1993, the Philadelphian retired from both NASA and the United States Air Force. Returning to civilian life, he entered the business world with the company NYMA, where he headed the engineering division. During those years, Bluford Jr. aimed to improve aircraft engine technology for American fighters, as he understood their shortcomings and advantages better than anyone. He actively promoted new research to enhance the “hearts” of these aircraft.
In the early 21st century, he continued to lead companies focused on research to advance technology for the U.S. Air Force.
Throughout his rich and fascinating life, Guion Bluford managed to break several records and earn numerous awards, honors, and medals. His most notable recognitions include his induction into the International Space Hall of Fame, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also named one of the “100 Greatest African Americans.” He holds national awards from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Air Force, and NASA. To top it all off, he has received 14 honorary doctorate degrees for his active scientific contributions.
