Michael J. Adams
Born May 5, 1930 in Sacramento, California. Michael J. Adams received a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Oklahoma University. Adams and his wife, Freida Adams, have three children, Michael, Jr., Brent and Liese.
Major Adams earned his pilot wings in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War. After graduating with honors from the Aerospace Research Pilot School he was chosen to participate in a five-month series of NASA moon landing practice tests.
In 1965 Adams was chosen for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, which paved the way for America’s space shuttle program. He made seven flights in the X-15 attaining an altitude of 266,000 feet. On his final flight in the X-15, while descending, the aircraft went into a violent tailspin and crashed, ending Major Adams life.
Michael J. Adams made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in service to the nation and the space program on November 15, 1967 at 37 years of age.
Major Adams earned his pilot wings in the U.S. Air Force in 1952 and served as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War. After graduating with honors from the Aerospace Research Pilot School he was chosen to participate in a five-month series of NASA moon landing practice tests.
In 1965 Adams was chosen for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) program, which paved the way for America’s space shuttle program. He made seven flights in the X-15 attaining an altitude of 266,000 feet. On his final flight in the X-15, while descending, the aircraft went into a violent tailspin and crashed, ending Major Adams life.
Michael J. Adams made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in service to the nation and the space program on November 15, 1967 at 37 years of age.
