2014 – Edgar Cortright, American scientist and engineer (b. 1923)

Edgar Cortright, an American scientist and engineer, lived a life marked by innovation and perseverance. He was born in 1923, a time when the world was on the brink of significant scientific advancements that would change the course of history. Raised during the Great Depression, young Edgar learned to adapt to difficult circumstances perhaps this early lesson shaped his future contributions to science and technology.

In 1941, just as he graduated high school, America entered World War II. This tumultuous period ignited a fervor for technological advancement that would lay the groundwork for many post-war innovations. Enlisting in the Army Air Forces, he became involved with radar systems a decision that would ignite his passion for engineering and set him on a path toward greatness.

After returning from military service, Edgar pursued his education vigorously. Enrolling at the University of California at Berkeley in 1946 was not just a continuation of his studies; it represented a new beginning infused with hope and ambition. However, navigating through college proved challenging; scholarships were scarce post-war as many veterans sought similar educational opportunities. Undeterred by financial strains and mounting pressures, Cortright graduated with honors in electrical engineering in 1950.

As fate would have it, shortly after graduation came an opportunity that changed everything: he joined NASA’s Langley Research Center as one of its early engineers during the dawn of space exploration! His work involved aerodynamics crucial for developing aircraft capable of reaching incredible speeds and eventually shifted focus to spacecraft design as America’s gaze turned skyward.

Ironically enough, while many viewed NASA's early missions as mere experiments driven by competition against Soviet achievements , Cortright saw them through lenses tinted with potential the vast cosmos filled with uncharted territories waiting to be explored.

Certainly one could argue that one of his most defining moments came during Project Mercury the United States’ first human spaceflight program initiated after Yuri Gagarin’s historic orbit around Earth in 1961. As Cortright helped develop crucial safety protocols for manned missions including rigorous testing procedures he wasn't just contributing to national pride but also building frameworks upon which future explorations rested!

Despite this remarkable achievement within NASA ranks where engineers often played second fiddle behind astronauts like John Glenn or Alan Shepard a role revered yet oft overshadowed Cortright never craved accolades or recognition; rather it seemed he relished being part of something larger than himself...

His career blossomed further when he took on leadership roles: later becoming chief engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama! During this time period , Edgar led groundbreaking initiatives regarding rocket propulsion systems essential for deep-space travel aspirations notably contributing towards Saturn V developments which facilitated Apollo missions culminating ultimately into man landing on Moon!

This monumental endeavor resonated worldwide! Children everywhere dreamed big dreams fueled by visions seen only through screens depicting lunar landings & astronauts bouncing around like buoyant children playing hopscotch among stars... Who knows how many future engineers were inspired simply watching these events unfold?

Yet even beyond aerospace engineering feats accomplished under his guidance lay another legacy ingrained within hearts eager to learn: mentoring younger scientists who looked up at him not just as authority figures but role models! At various universities across country from Georgia Tech down south all way back up North Harvard University Edgar dedicated countless hours sharing knowledge gained over decades spent immersed into complex equations governing flight dynamics & propulsion principles!

This devotion didn't go unnoticed... Over years various awards recognized excellence reflected both personal accomplishments alongside mentorship contributions made fostering generations aspiring follow similar paths themselves throughout STEM fields today thriving globally amidst fierce competition!

No surprise then when retirement finally beckoned near end century - leaving behind such impactful career coupled intrinsic drive inspiring others constantly pushing boundaries forward forever etched engrained deeply people's minds collectively remembering brilliance showcased via work ethics exhibited tirelessly devoted consistently throughout lifetime dedicated uplifting humanity onward exploring frontier unknowns deep outer-space realms expanding scientific horizons boundless limitless possibilities awaiting discovery awaiting those brave enough venture forth!