Guenter Wendt (NASA History)

You are watching an interview of Guenter Wendt, who was born in Berlin, Germany in 1923 and moved to Brevard County to work on NASA’s space programs. Guenter’s father immigrated to the United States when Guenter was just a child, but Guenter remained in Germany with his mother. He served in the German Air Force during World War II, where he developed skills as an aeronautical and mechanical engineer. After the war, in order to remain working in engineering, Guenter moved to be with his father in the United States. Guenter discusses his work history in the U.S. with a focus on his employment with the defense contractor McDonnell Aircraft, which led to his work on NASA’s Mercury Program and subsequent Gemini and Apollo Programs.
Much of this interview focuses on Guenter’s personal recollections of what it was like working at NASA alongside fellow hardworking crew members and Astronauts, including the original Mercury Seven. Guenter recounts humorous personal stories, such as playing practical jokes (known as “gotcha’s”) and being affectionately nicknamed “der Führer of der Launch Pad” by John Glenn for his strictness on the job. Details about popular social activities of the time, like visiting the local Starlite Motel’s lounge, launch parties, and driving on the beach, are also featured in this interview.
However, Guenter’s interview demonstrates that while the Space Program was glamorous from the outside, it was also serious business. This interview reveals emotional moments, such as being approached by John Glenn’s wife, concerned about her husband’s safe return. He discloses that 80 hour work weeks were not unusual, and discusses the pressures felt by Astronauts and crew members alike. He also provides insight into the “Race for Space” and its political nature as he saw it.
The end segment of this interview features Guenter sharing personal memorabilia and narrating some NASA clips filmed at Cape Canaveral.
Guenter Wendt passed away at his home in Merritt Island on May 3, 2010 at the age of 86.
For transcripts of videos and more information, please visit our website at: www.brevardfl.gov/HistoricalCommission/OralHistoryProject

[@richardstoteler1951]

Günter has a great sense of humor

[@bobstrauss9413]

What a great man ! Played a big part in our space program. Very intelligent man !!!

[@aldunlop4622]

What a great video! More space enthusiasts should see this.

[@sonnyburnett8725]

Guenter is an absolute hero in our manned space program. All the astronauts loved him, I was hoping he would tell the story of saving Gene Cernan one night from a state trooper who thought he was driving drunk. He drove past and saw Gene being talked to by the Trooper and he stopped and vouched for him.

[@villavilla4798]

The big question still is: what did he exactly do for Germany during the 2nd world war just like what exactly did Von Braun during '40-'45??? 🤔
Greetings from Amsterdam, Holland, The Netherlands 🇳🇱🧡

[@maximilliancunningham6091]

Pretty good quality for analog Oxide beta.

[@twngohaombre5602]

Where did Guenter wendt?

[@spinav8r]

"I vonder vere Gunter Vendt?"

[@thomasm934]

@37 minutes - transmit energy without wires - Tesla already did that back in 1909 !!!! What did Gunther know ? And when did he know it ?

[@nurlatifahmohdnor8939]

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[@thomasrhesa8588]

yes so its i told only mi dad knows him from schoolsides ..