10 June 2024
+VIDEO NASA has posted a video tribute to Apollo Astronaut William ‘Bill’ Anders who died last week at the age of 90 in an aircraft crash.
Anders was attempting a loop in his Beech T-34 warbird when the incident happened.
Anders is best remembered for the photo ‘Earth Rising’, shot on Christmas Eve 1968 when on the Apollo 8 mission – the first to orbit the moon.
During a telecast on Christmas Eve 1968, the Apollo 8 crew – Frank Borman, William Anders and James Lovell – read verses from the first chapter of Genesis and wished viewers, “Good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas and God bless all of you – all of you on the good Earth.”
The Apollo 8 Crew (L to R): Frank Borman, commander; William Anders, Lunar Module (LM) Pilot; and James Lovell, Command Module (CM) pilot pose in front of the Apollo mission simulator during training. The three served as the crew for the first manned Apollo mission launched aboard the Saturn V and first manned Apollo craft to enter lunar orbit. Photo: NASA
Anders crashed just off the San Juan islands in Washington state on Friday afternoon. His son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, confirmed the death to The Associated Press writing, “The family is devastated. He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly.”
The FAA and NTSB said that Anders was the sole occupant of the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor aircraft when it crashed into the water around 11:40am. The accident is being investigated.
Very saddened about the passing of my friend, USAF Major Gen Bill Anders. Bill, you will always be an inspiration and you will be missed. My deepest condolences to Bill’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ccDf8Pblbv
— Dr. Buzz Aldrin (@TheRealBuzz) June 8, 2024
