A TRIBUTE TO GUENTER WENDT

From the Discovery Channel series "Rocket Science"
(Full series available at www.foolishearthling.com)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Guenter
• Wendt
• NASA
• Canaveral
• Apollo
• Gemini
• Mercury
• astronaut
• Space
• Race
• pad
• leader
• hero
• adventure

[1MtnBoy]

A true gentleman and consummate technician.

he had a very poignant position to be the last face the crew saw and give each man a final handshake before launch. quite a defining moment on top of the Saturn V knowing anything could happen. as the saying goes: "there's no atheists in foxholes", Guenter was a true professional and from what I know of him he was well respected and his personable demeanor was cherished by everyone who was close to him. RIP sorry I never got to meet him !

[sciencehighway]

@1MtnBoy Interviewing (and befriending) Guenter Wendt was a highlight of my career. One of the smartest, warmest human beings I've known, Guenter was always eager to help tell these stories, and provided incalculable behind-the-scenes assistance literally to the end of his life. It's wonderful to see his contributions made public through the works of Andy Chaikin, Tom Hanks and others. Whenever I'm asked about the cold, clinical side of NASA's space program I just tell a story about Guenter.

[tarasandrataylor]

Thank you for this video. My Grandfather would be so proud of it. He knew how much everyone loved him and I loved listening to all of his stories (typically more than once) haha. I miss him so much and seeing this tribute video makes me proud to be his grand daughter!

[sciencehighway]

@tarasandrataylor Thank you so much for your comments. We miss your granddad too. Please check your own subscription page for further info.

- Michael Lennick

[1MtnBoy]

@sciencehighway WOW, I wish I had a chance to meet him. he reminds me of my Grandpa in a lot of respects, he could speak techno-babble with the best of em but still had a warm handshake a stare that could melt iron and a smile that told you he really cared ! I have always had the utmost respect for the older generation !

thanks so much for posting !

[1MtnBoy]

@soberek I can only add my AMEN to that !

[soberek]

If anybody's wondering what The Right Stuff is, there you have it.

[Erik0072]

forever a Legend. May he rest in peace.

[AngusGibsonT]

@tarasandrataylor and care these astronauts had for your granddad. This is not an easy task to earn the trust of astronauts, but his strict adherence to their safety and winning personality and humor has not only endeared him to astronauts, but to everyone who knew him or of him. I am also a personal fan of him, even though I wasn't even around during the famous "Space Race." I am sorry that I never got the honor and privilege of meeting him. My condolences to you and yours.

[AngusGibsonT]

@tarasandrataylor I just watched the episode of the mini-series "From the Earth to the Moon" about Apollo 7 where Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele, and Walter Cunningham had just said goodbye to your granddad, and made an affectionate (and funny) joke about his absence (I corrected this to its historical accuracy, I believe):

Cunningham: It's so quiet...

Eisele: Yeah.........I vonder vere Guenter Vendt?

Both men laughed and Schirra decreed he would steal the joke. Such is a testament to the love and

[bathbeads10]

@tarasandrataylor your grandfather is amazing =3

[khal007]

Thanks Guenter. God bless his family.