William Alison “Bill” Anders was a highly esteemed American astronaut, Air Force Major General, nuclear engineer and businessman. His life was distinguished by significant contributions to space exploration — most notably as part of the Apollo 8 mission that forever altered humanity’s perspective of Earth.
Early Life and Education
Anders was born to Arthur F. Anders, a U.S. Navy lieutenant, and Muriel Adams in Hong Kong during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1936–37). As soon as Nanjing came under attack by Japanese forces in 1937, Anders and his mother fled China together en route to the Philippines where they eventually resided until his return during World War II in 1945. His father was injured during the attack on USS Panay and later recovered; later being awarded with both the Navy Cross and Purple Heart awards. Subsequently, Anders’ family relocated to America where Anders participated actively with Boy Scouts until attaining Life Scout status. As part of his preparation to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, Anders attended St. Martin’s Academy and Grossmont High School in California before enrolling at Boyden School as a military academy prep school to enhance his grades for acceptance into its ranks. Anders graduated with his B.S. from USNA in 1955 before later going on to receive his M.S. Nuclear Engineering from Air Force Institute of Technology in 1962.
Military and NASA Career
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Anders was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot serving all-weather interception squadrons. NASA chose him for astronaut selection three years later as part of their third group. At first, Anders was a backup pilot for Gemini XI and Apollo 11 missions. But his most notable accomplishment occurred during Apollo 8 mission in December 1968: along with Frank Borman and James Lovell, Anders became one of the first humans to orbit the Moon. This six-day mission marked the first time humans had left low Earth orbit and traveled directly to the Moon. Anders captured an iconic photo known as “Earthrise,” showing a crescent Earth rising over its lunar horizon. This photograph, captured on Christmas Eve, has become one of the most iconic photographs ever taken, symbolizing both its fragility and beauty. In 1997 NASA oral history interview, Anders discussed risks involved with his mission, giving himself only a one out of three chance of success. Even with its risks, Anders’ mission was a success, setting in motion Apollo 11’s moon landing seven months later. Her photograph had an enormous ecological and philosophical influence; inspiring the global environmental movement and revolutionizing how humans saw our planet.
Post-NASA Career
After his Apollo 8 mission, Anders resigned from NASA and the Air Force in 1969 and served as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council advising President Nixon, Vice President Nixon, Cabinet-level members on aeronautical and space systems. In 1973, Anders was appointed to the Atomic Energy Commission where he led U.S. efforts in nuclear technology exchange with Soviet bloc. Subsequently in 1975 he became Chairman of newly-formed Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Later in life he served as U.S. Ambassador in Moscow. Anders was then appointed Ambassador to Norway from 1976 until 1977. Subsequently, Anders transitioned into private industry by joining General Electric (GE) as General Manager of both its Nuclear Products Division and later Aircraft Equipment Divisions; additionally he held executive roles at Textron and General Dynamics where he served as Vice Chairman and CEO.
Personal Life and Legacy
Anders married Valerie E. Hoard in 1975, and together they had six children. In 1996, Anders and his wife established the Heritage Flight Museum in Washington State that features aircraft, military vehicles, artifacts donated by veterans, as a testament to Anders’s passion for aviation and history. His contributions to space exploration — such as taking iconic “Earthrise” photos — earned him multiple honors, such as Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and National Geographic Society Hubbard Medal for Exploration — with Anders Crater on Moon named in his memory to commemorate his impactful contributions towards space exploration.
Tragic End
William Anders, 90 years old and flying his own small aircraft when it crashed near Roche Harbor in Washington. Greg Anders confirmed this news and conveyed their family’s heartbreak over his loss.
In the End, William Alison “Bill” Anders’ life was marked by remarkable achievements and contributions in space exploration, nuclear engineering and public service. His role on Apollo 8 mission and capture of “Earthrise” photograph left an indelible mark in history that continues to inspire generations about our beautiful yet fragile planet. Anders’ legacy lives on today and reminds us all of how one individual can have such an enormous effect on global environmental awareness.
Mickkk
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