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Aldrin, Edwin Eugene, Sr., 1896-1974

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: April 12, 1896 - December 28, 1974

Biographical Information

Edwin Eugene Aldrin, Sr., known as Gene, was born in 1896. He attended Clark University, graduating in 1915. There, he studied under Robert Goddard, who encouraged Aldrin's interest in aviation. Aldrin received his doctorate in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He married Marion Moon, and the couple later had a son and a daughter.

Aldrin became a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and later founded the Aeronautical Engineering School, which became the Air Force Institute of Technology. He made the first transatlantic dirigible round trip in the Hindenburg. He later became an oil executive. He passed away at the age of 78.

Citation

"Edwin E. Aldrin Sr., 78, is Dead; Aviator was Astronaut's Father." New York Times. January 2, 1975.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Aldrin Family papers

 Collection — Box: Box 1
Identifier: MSP 18
Scope and Contents The Aldrin Family papers include an autobiography of Robert Hutchings Goddard, letters, notes, and newspaper articles relating to Robert Goddard and rocketry, compiled by Edwin E. Aldrin, Sr, father of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The papers are organized into three series.
Dates: 1929-2007; Other: Date acquired: 12/09/2006