David C. Hilmers

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DavidCarlHilmers

David Carl Hilmers (born January 28, 1950) is a former NASA astronaut and a retired United States Marine Corps colonel. He is also a physician and a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics.

Early Life and Education

David C. Hilmers was born in Clinton, Iowa. He graduated from Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa in 1968. Hilmers earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Cornell College in 1972. He then received a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1977. Later, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in 1995.

Military Career

Hilmers was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1972. He completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1974. Hilmers served as a pilot and later as a flight instructor. He also attended the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned his master's degree. Hilmers retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of colonel.

NASA Career

Hilmers was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in May 1980. He completed his training and became an astronaut in August 1981. Hilmers flew on four Space Shuttle missions: STS-51-J, STS-26, STS-36, and STS-42.

STS-51-J

STS-51-J was the first flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission launched on October 3, 1985, and was a classified mission for the United States Department of Defense.

STS-26

STS-26 was the return-to-flight mission after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The mission launched on September 29, 1988, aboard Space Shuttle Discovery.

STS-36

STS-36 was another classified mission for the Department of Defense. The mission launched on February 28, 1990, aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis.

STS-42

STS-42 was a mission dedicated to scientific research in microgravity. The mission launched on January 22, 1992, aboard Space Shuttle Discovery.

Medical Career

After retiring from NASA, Hilmers pursued a career in medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in 1995. Hilmers completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics. He is currently a professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Personal Life

David C. Hilmers is married and has two children. He is known for his contributions to both space exploration and medicine.

Awards and Honors

Hilmers has received numerous awards and honors, including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.

See Also

• List of astronauts by selection
• Space Shuttle program
• United States Marine Corps