James Arthur Lovell Jr. was born on March 25, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio. He served in the Navy as a pilot during the Korean War, becoming a test pilot after his return to the United States. Lovell joined NASA in 1962 and piloted the Gemini VII mission in 1965. He is perhaps best known for his role as the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970, which suffered a catastrophic failure en route to the moon. Lovell and his crew managed to safely return to Earth after a daring rescue operation. Lovell retired from NASA in 1973 and went on to become a successful businessman. He has authored several books, including the memoir "Lost Moon" which was adapted into the film "Apollo 13" starring Tom Hanks. Lovell remains a celebrated figure in the space community and an enduring symbol of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
