James Alan Abrahamson

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James Alan Abrahamson
1933-
Lieutenant General James Alan Abrahamson
Place of birth	Williston, North Dakota
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1955-1989
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands held	Strategic Defense Initiative Organization 4950th Test Wing
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (3) Air Medal (2)

James Alan Abrahamson

USAF Astronaut
Nationality	American
Status	Retired
Born	1933 Williston, North Dakota
Selection	1967 USAF MOL Group 3
Missions	None

Lieutenant General James Alan Abrahamson was director of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C. He was responsible to the president and the secretary of defense for managing, directing and selecting key research and development programs designed to counter the threat posed by strategic nuclear ballistic missiles and to increase the contribution of defensive systems to U.S. and allied security. He provided overall policy direction and supervision for the conduct of research and development programs associated with the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization mission as well as oversight of the acquisition process for all Strategic Defense Initiative program requirements. He was also responsible for the review and development of strategy and policy implications of defensive capabilities.

Abrahamson was born in Williston, North Dakota, in 1933. He earned a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1955 and a master of science degree in the same field through the Air Force Institute of Technology program at the University of Oklahoma in 1961. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1958, Air Command and Staff College in 1966, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1973.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in November 1955 and completed pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, in May 1957. His initial operational assignments included flight instruction, flight test and aircraft maintenance positions with Air Training Command.

In August 1961, Abrahamson was assigned as spacecraft project officer on the VELA Nuclear Detection Satellite Program at Los Angeles Air Force Station, California. From October 1964 to August 1965, while assigned to the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, he served two temporary tours of duty in Southeast Asia, where he flew 49 combat missions.

He graduated from Air Command and Staff College as a distinguished graduate in July 1966. He then attended the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and, upon graduation, served as an astronaut with the Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program from August 1967 until the program was canceled in June 1969.

Abrahamson then served on the staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Council in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. In March 1971 he became manager of the TV-guided, air-to-ground Maverick missile program at Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In June 1973 he assumed command of the 4950th Test Wing there.

In March 1974 Abrahamson was assigned as inspector general, Air Force Systems Command, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. From May 1976 to July 1980 he served as director for the F-16 Multinational Air Combat Fighter Program, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He then became deputy chief of staff for systems at Air Force Systems Command headquarters.

In November 1981 he was assigned as associate administrator for the Space Transportation System, Headquarters National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, D.C. He was responsible for the nation's space shuttle program, leading it safely and successfully through 10 developmental and early operational launches. During his tenure, NASA performed many firsts, including the first satellite retrieval and repair mission that demonstrated the operational capabilities of the space shuttle. Abrahamson assumed directorship of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization in April 1984.

He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours. His military decorations and awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, NASA Distinguished Service Medal, Order of King Olaf of Norway, Order of the Orange from the Netherlands and the Order of King Léopold of Belgium. He also wears the Space Badge and Command Missile Badge. Abrahamson has received honorary doctorate degrees in engineering from New York University, Utah State University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1984 he received the General Bernard A. Schriever Award for outstanding achievement in support of Air Force missile and space programs. In 1986 he received the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Trophy for leadership and excellence in advancing space flight programs contributing to United States leadership in astronautics. In 1987 he was honored as Man of the Year in Science and Technology from the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation, Metropolitan Chapter, Washington, D.C.