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Author
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Topic: Apollo 1 research: Looking for Apollo alums
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Matthew Beddingfield
New Member Posts: 8
From:
Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 03-30-2023 08:38 AM
   
My name is Matthew Beddingfield and I'm the grandson of James Gleaves, lead mechanical tech for North American Aviation (NAA) and (to my knowledge) the last remaining survivor from the white room the night of the Apollo 1 (204) fire.Know this is a long shot but wanted to see if any space enthusiasts knew of alum from the early Apollo days who are still around. I'm working on a research project with George Leopold (author of the Gus Grissom biography "Calculated Risk") and looking to talk with any primary sources who were there during that era. Currently trying to contact George Abbey and a few others who I think might still be around. Any help is greatly appreciated. Happy to answer any questions you might have. You can read some of my writing here. |
onesmallstep
Member Posts: 1434
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007
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posted 03-30-2023 11:54 AM
You might also consider becoming a member of the Space Hipsters Facebook group. Lots of ex-NASA, contractor and aerospace workers (or their descendants) that are members — even some astronauts like Fred Haise. Good luck with your research and writing! |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 51605
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-31-2023 11:48 AM
Matthew, by your mention of Abbey, I am assuming you are not limiting your search to those who were at the Cape. If correct, I suggest reaching out to the following two organizations, if you haven't already: I would also contact the American Space Museum (Space Walk of Fame Foundation) in Titusville, Florida, as they are another organization that is comprised of and support the veteran Mercury, Gemini and Apollo workforce. |
Matthew Beddingfield
New Member Posts: 8
From:
Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 03-31-2023 01:19 PM
Great ideas. Thank you! |
LM-12
Member Posts: 3859
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 03-31-2023 02:02 PM
The NASA Alumni League Florida Chapter has this page on Apollo 1. There is a newspaper article and photo of James Gleaves and the other NAA ground crew who tried to rescue the Apollo 1 astronauts. |
Buel
Member Posts: 889
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 03-31-2023 04:41 PM
Although not there but certainly in the MOCR, want to speak to Dutch von Ehrenfried? |
burnsnz
Member Posts: 83
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 04-01-2023 04:21 PM
Matthew, by chance, are you a relative of Sam Beddingfield? He was an engineer at the Cape in the very early days, one of the first 30 or so employees there. He passed away around 10 years ago. |
Matthew Beddingfield
New Member Posts: 8
From:
Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 04-02-2023 06:30 PM
I am not related to Sam Beddingfield although I am familiar with him! I have been asked that many times. Just related to Jim Gleaves when it comes to Apollo. Buel, would love to speak with Dutch von Ehrenfried. Can you connect? Also, does anyone know if Gary Propst is still alive? |
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