Frank Borman

Frank Borman is a retired American astronaut, United States Air Force pilot, and aerospace engineer. He is best known for commanding Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the Moon, in December 1968.

Frank Borman was born on March 14, 1928, in Gary, Indiana. He spent his early childhood in Tucson, Arizona, after his family moved there when he was a child due to his father's health issues. In his early years, Borman developed a keen interest in flying and aviation, which was encouraged by his parents. In fact, he received a model airplane as a gift when he was five years old. Despite experiencing academic challenges, he ultimately excelled in his studies, demonstrating both aptitude and leadership skills. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career as an astronaut and Air Force officer.

Frank Borman graduated from Tucson High School in 1946. He then attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. He further advanced his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1957. Borman also completed rigorous training as a test pilot at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology at Edwards Air Force Base and served as an assistant professor of Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics at West Point.

Frank Borman is known for his pivotal role in the Apollo 8 mission, the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth. As an established figure in NASA's Apollo program, he received numerous awards, including the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal. Borman also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. His career highlights include serving as the command pilot of Gemini 7 and managing a significant tenure as the CEO of Eastern Air Lines. After retiring from Eastern Air Lines, Borman remained active in both corporate board service and advocacy for aviation and space exploration.

Frank Borman married Susan Bugbee in 1950, and they have two sons together. Throughout his life, Borman has maintained a relatively private personal life, placing public focus primarily on his career achievements. After retiring from NASA and the Air Force, he moved with his family to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and later relocated to a ranch in Montana, where they enjoy activities associated with ranch life. Borman and his wife have been married for many decades, showcasing their long-standing relationship.