Victor Prather

Lieutenant Commander Victor A. Prather, MC USN

Victor Prather
Born	Victor A. Prather Jr. June 4, 1926 Lapeer, Michigan, U.S.
Died	May 4, 1961 (aged 34) Gulf of Mexico
Nationality	American
Occupation	Flight surgeon
Known for	High-altitude balloon flight

Victor A. Prather Jr. (June 4, 1926 – May 4, 1961) was an American naval officer and flight surgeon who is best known for his contributions to high-altitude balloon flight and aerospace medicine.

Early Life and Education

Victor Prather was born in Lapeer, Michigan. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later attended Tulane University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree.

Naval Career

Prather joined the United States Navy and became a flight surgeon. His work primarily focused on the physiological challenges faced by pilots and astronauts at high altitudes.

Project RAM

Prather is most renowned for his involvement in Project RAM, a high-altitude balloon project aimed at advancing the understanding of human survival in the upper atmosphere. On May 4, 1961, Prather and fellow naval officer Malcolm Ross ascended to a record altitude of 113,740 feet in a balloon. This mission provided valuable data for the United States space program.

Death

Tragically, Victor Prather died shortly after the successful flight. Upon landing in the Gulf of Mexico, he fell from the rescue helicopter into the water and drowned despite wearing a survival suit. His death underscored the risks associated with high-altitude and space exploration.

Legacy

Prather's contributions to aerospace medicine and high-altitude flight have had a lasting impact on the field. His work helped pave the way for future advancements in both military and civilian aviation and space exploration.

See Also

• Aerospace medicine
• High-altitude balloon
• United States Navy
• Project RAM
• Malcolm Ross (balloonist)