Born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, TK Mattingly’s passion for aviation and space exploration took flight early in his life. He went on to receive his wings in 1960 after joining the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction. His excellence as a pilot and his keen intellect led him to NASA, where he joined the astronaut class of 1966.
Perhaps one of the most significant moments of Mattingly’s career came during the Apollo 13 mission. Although he was grounded due to exposure to rubella, Mattingly played a crucial role in the safe return of his fellow astronauts, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the program and his colleagues.
His decorations included the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and numerous other awards that testified to his exceptional service. Mattingly was not just an astronaut; he was an explorer at heart, who braved the vast unknown for the betterment of humanity. The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of former NASA astronaut Rear Adm. Thomas K. Mattingly II.