Dr. Werhner von Braun

Doctor Werhner von Braun was born on March 23, 1912 in Wirsitz, Germany. His contribution led to momentous advancements in the technology of rockets, missiles, and space flight, which changed the history of the United States.

Among his early experiments was the development of a liquid-fueled rocket engine. From 1940 to 1943, he and his associates designed and eveloped the V-2 ballistic missile, which profoundly changed the tactics and strategy of modern warfare.

His vital contributions resulted in the Redstone missile, the first inertia guided ballistic missile of the free world. As the Project Director, Research and Development Service, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps, he participated in the development of the Bumper-Wac missile, which made possible the first penetration of the earth’s atmosphere.

As Chief of Guided Missile Development Group, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, from 1950 to 1956, he led development work on the Hermes II rocket-ramjet missile and the Redstone missile. Due to his active participation in the development of the Jupiter-C launch vehicle, the United States successfully launched the free world’s first scientific satellite, Explorer I, numerous other satellites, and this nation’s first lunar probe.

He substantially contributed to the design and development of the Pershing ballistic missile and the Saturn space vehicle. Dr. von Braun died in 1977.