We also knew it would be difficult, because of the financial condition of the family, for me to go to college.

We worked with the engineers in the design and construction and testing phases in those various areas, then we would get back together at the end of the week and brief each other as to what had gone on.

Obviously I was challenged by becoming a Naval aviator, by landing aboard aircraft carriers and so on.

I didn't mind studying. Obviously math and the physical science subjects interested me more than some of the more artistic subjects, but I think I was a pretty good student.

So everything turned out fine, and we were given the opportunity to go to Washington and be briefed on the project of man in space, and given the opportunity to choose whether we wanted to get involved or not.

I'd like to say I was smart enough to finish six grades in five years, but I think perhaps the teacher was just glad to get rid of me.

I just wanted to be the first one to fly for America, not because I'd end up in the pages of history books.