Floyd Laverne Thompson BS SC.D h. (1898 - 1976)

Born 25 Nov 1898 in Salem, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States

Descendants

Died 10 Jul 1976 at age 77 in Hampton, Virginia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Suzy Cairns [send private message]

Preceded by
Dr Henry J Reid (1895 - 1968)

3rd Director of NASA Langley
1960 - 1968

Succeeded by
Edgar M Cortright (1923 - 2014)

Biography

Early Life

Floyd Laverne Thompson was born on 25 November 1898 in Salem, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States, the son of Gilbert Henry Thompson and Anna Elizabeth Furlong^[1].

• Gilbert Henry Thompson was born on 13 July 1862 in Salem, Michigan, United States^[2] and died on 15 September 1936 in Salem, Washentaw, Michigan at the age of 74 years^[2]. He was buried at Worden Cemetery, Salem, Washentaw, Michigan^[3].
• Anna Elizabeth Furlong was born on 10 October 1867 in Plymouth, Wayne, Michigan^[4] and died on 26 November 1949 in Salem, Washentaw, Michigan aged 82 years^[5]. Anna was laid to rest at Worden Cemetery, Salem, Washentaw, Michigan^[6].
• Gilbert and Anna were married on 5 November 1886 in Washtenaw, Michigan^[7].

By 1900 Floyd was known by his middle name of Laverne. He resided with his parents and siblings at Salem, Washentaw, Michigan where his father was employed as a Farmer, the family would stay there over the following decade^[8][9].

United States Navy

Floyd graduated from High School in 1917 and entered into the United States Navy in 1918^[10].

By 1920 Floyd was stationed at the US Naval Training Station, Aviation Mechanics School, Great Lakes, Illinois^[11].

Floyd completed a World War II Registration card in 1942 when he was aged 43 years, it is not known what he did during World War II or which branch of the military he served with^[12].

Education

After leaving military service Floyd enrolled at Michigan University to study a Batchelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, which he received in 1926^[13].

Marriage and Children

Floyd married Jean H Geggie on 16 June 1928 in Hampton, Virginia, United States^[14].

Their children were:

1. Dorothy Thompson (~1932– )
2. Helen Hamilton Thompson (1933–1999)
3. Jean Thompson (~1940– )

Working Career

Floyd started working for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in 1926 at their Langley Research Centre. He began as an Aeronautical Engineer in the Flight Research Division.^[13][15]

He progressed in his career through various roles rising to Chief of Flight Research Division in 1940 and Chief of Research for the Langley Research Centre in 1945^[13][15].

He carried on rising the ranks becoming Associate Director at Langley with responsibility for all research in 1952^[13][15].

The NACA would eventually be dissolved in 1958, its assets and employees were transferred to the newly created National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

In May 1960 he was promoted to Director of NASA Langley becoming its 3rd Director succeeding Dr Henry J Reid (1895 - 1968)^[13][15]. While undertaking his duties as Director he was also the Chairman of the Policy Planning Board at NASA Headquarters for 2 years^[15].

1963 was a year of many awards for Floyd, in May of 1963 he was presented with the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal which was presented to him by President John F Kennedy at the White House^[13][15].

The following month in June 1963 he received 2 Honary Degrees, both of them Doctor of Science. These were bestowed by Michigan University and the College of William & Mary^[13][15].

In July 1963 he was awarded a Distinguished Service Award of the American Legion, Department of Virgina. He also received in 1963 the Distinguished Virginian Award^[13][15].

Floyd was also presented, in 1967, with the National Civil Service League's Career Service Award, followed by the NASA Medal for Distinguished Service^[13][15].

"When Langley celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1967, Dr. Thompson had been responsible for every major decision made in the previous 25 years - ranging from the high speed airplane research program to unmanned and manned rocket projects."^[16]

"Langley operated the Flight Research Center at Edwards, California, and the Wallops Flight Center in Virginia before these two facilities became independent centers, and Langley also was the birthplace of Project Mercury - the first U.S. manned space flight program. It was Dr. Thompson who formed the Space Task Group at Langley, selected its personnel, and laid the groundwork for the subsequent Gemini and Apollo projects."^[16]

Floyd retired from NASA in November 1968 and continued working as a Consultant for the Administrator until 1973^[13][15].

Throughout his career Floyd either authored or co-authored 20 Technical Reports which were all based upon research that he was involved with^[13][15].

Apollo 204 (later Apollo 1)

Achievements and Awards

Floyd attained a number of achievements and awards throughout his life including:

• Chief of Flight Research Division 1940
• Chief of Research, Langley 1945 - 1952
• Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 1949
• Associate Director, Langley in charge of all research 1952
• cited by University of Michigan as distinguished alumnus in 1953
• Director of NASA Langley 1960 - 1968
• Chairman of the Policy Planning Board at NASA Headquarters, Washington
• NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal presented by President John F Kennedy in May 1963
• Honorary Degree - Doctor of Science from University of Michigan in June 1963
• Honorary Degree - Doctor of Science from College of William & Mary in June 1963
• Distinguished Service Award of the American Legion, Department of Virginia in July 1963
• Distinguished Virginian Award for 1963 by the Virginia State Exchange Club
• Chairmain of the Apollo 204 (later Apollo 1) Review Board 1967
• National Civil Service League's Career Service Award in 1967
• NASA Medal for Distinguished Service in 1967
• President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) 1968
• Special Assistant to the Administrator at NASA Headquarters, Washington May 1968
• Guggenheim Medal in 1974^[16]
• Author/Co-author of 20 Technical Reports
• Honorary Member for the Board of Directors of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Trustee of the War Memorial Museum of Virginia in Newport News, Virginia
• Honorary Life Member of the Engineer's Club of the Virginia Peninsula

Death

Floyd died on 10 July 1976 in Hampton, Virginia, aged 77 years^[17]. He was laid to rest at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, Hampton City, Viriginia^[18].

Sources

1. ↑ "Michigan, County Births, 1867-1917," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: QP3W-T1TV : accessed 17 May 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GBZZ-SY2
   Floyd Laverne Thompson born on 25 Nov 1898, son of Gilbert H Thompson & Anna Elizabeth Furlong, in Washtenaw, Michigan, United States
   citing Digital film/folder number: 005191209; Image number: 163.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} "Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: KF72-39H : accessed 17 May 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-L1SF-9C7P
   Gilbert Henry Thompson death 15 Sep 1936 (born 13 Jul 1862), son of John Henry Thompson & Adeline Bryant, in Salem, Salem Township, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States
   citing Digital film/folder number: 005240525; FHL microfilm: 001973123; Image number: 3079.
3. ↑ "Find a Grave," database with images
   (Find A Grave: Memorial #10070498 : accessed 17 May 2024)
   Memorial page for Gilbert Henry Thompson (13 Jul 1862-15 Sep 1936), citing Worden Cemetery, Salem, Washtenaw County, Michigan, USA; Maintained by Mark Peebles (contributor 46514135).
4. ↑ "Michigan Births, 1867-1902," database
   (FamilySearch Record: NQJ4-TLR : accessed 17 May 2024)
   Annie E Furlong born on 10 Oct 1867, daughter of James E. Furlong & Emma Chilson, in Plymouth, Wayne, Michigan
   citing , Plymouth, Wayne, Michigan, Department of Vital Records, Lansing; FHL microfilm .
5. ↑ "Michigan, U.S., Death Records, 1867-1952," database
   (Ancestry uk Record 60872 #1587883 : accessed 17 May 2024)
   Anna Elizabeth death 26 Nov 1949 (born 10 Oct 1867), daughter of James M Furlong & Emma Chilson, in Salem, Washtenaw, Michigan, USA
   citing Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing, Michigan, Death Records.
6. ↑ "Find a Grave," database with images
   (Find A Grave: Memorial #10070494 : accessed 17 May 2024)
   Memorial page for Anna Elizabeth Furlong Thompson (1867-26 Nov 1949), citing Worden Cemetery, Salem, Washtenaw County, Michigan, USA; Maintained by Mark Peebles (contributor 46514135).
7. ↑ "Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1940," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: VNLZ-FCY : accessed 17 May 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 939V-KZ38-LJ
   Gilbert Henry Thompson (24) marriage to Anna Elisabeth Furlong (19) on 5 Nov 1886 in Washtenaw, Michigan, United States
   citing Page: 77; Digital film/folder number: 004674385; FHL microfilm: 001019066; Image number: 494; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: V01650-2.
8. ↑ "United States Census, 1900," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: M9B5-T26 : accessed 17 May 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: S3HT-69BW-S3D
   Laverne Thompson (2), single son, in household of Gilbert Thompson (37) in Salem Township, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States. Born in Michigan
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T623; Line: 46; Digital film/folder number: 004119800; FHL microfilm: 1240746; Image number: 551; Sheet number: 5; Sheet letter: A; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N00872-5.
9. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images
   (FamilySearch Record: MLTH-DKT : accessed 17 May 2024)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9YBC-QZ9
   Laverne Thompson (11), single son, in household of Gilbert Thompson (47) in Salem, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States. Born in Michigan
   citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T624; Digital film/folder number: 005157152; FHL microfilm: 1374690; Image number: 421; Sheet number: 1; Sheet letter: B; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N03437-5.
10. ↑ "Michigan, Census of World War I Veterans with Card Index, 1917-1919," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: QP5G-C1RD : accessed 17 May 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CS1B-Q9N9-N
    Name Floyd Laverne Thompson, Residence Place Salem, Washtenaw, Military Service Date 15 Jul 1918, Military Service Place Michigan, United States, Birth Date 25 Nov 1898, Birth Place Salem, Mich., Miitary Final Rank Seaman, Record Nbr 0, Vis Status VISIBLE, System Of Record SLS
    citing Digital film/folder number: 008434792; Image number: 823.
11. ↑ "United States Census, 1920," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: MJHM-4ZN : accessed 17 May 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GR6G-82Q
    Floyd L Thompson (21), single in Lake, Illinois, United States. Born in Michigan
    citing Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Affiliate Publication Number: T625; Line: 91; Digital film/folder number: 004964806; FHL microfilm: 1820381; Image number: 986; Sheet number: 57; Sheet letter: B; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: N01862-9.
12. ↑ "Virginia, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: Q2W5-THQL : accessed 17 May 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSZX-V9J4-D
    Name Floyd Laverne Thompson, Race White, Military Draft Registration Date 15 Feb 1942, Military Draft Registration Place Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, United States, Birth Date 25 Nov 1898, Birth Place Salem, Michigan, Residence Place Hampton, Elizabeth City, Virginia, Occupation Employer N A C A, Eye Color Hazel, Weight 145, Complexion Light, Height 6, Hair Color Brown, System Of Record SLS
    citing Affiliate Publication Title: World War II Draft Cards for the State of Virginia; Affiliate Publication Number: 2645537; Digital film/folder number: 102493055; Image number: 757.
13. ↑ ^{13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10} NASA Historic Personnel - Center Directors - Floyd L Thompson Biography of Dr Floyd L Thompson (article posted: 25 May 2017 - accessed: 18 May 2024)
14. ↑ "Virginia, County Marriage Records, 1771-1989," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: 6ZQC-67BB : accessed 17 May 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C9B2-9S5F-5
    Floyd Laverne Thompson marriage to Jean Hamilton Geggie on 16 Jun 1928 in Elizabeth City, Virginia, United States
    citing Digital film/folder number: 007725168_002_M98P-F3X; Image number: 17.
15. ↑ ^{15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10} NASA Apollo 204 Review Board Member Bio - Floyd L Thompson NASA Apollo 204 Review Board - Biography of the Chairman Dr Floyd LaVerne Thompson (last updated: 3 Feb 2003 - accessed: 18 May 2024)
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1 16.2} American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics - Guggenheim Medal Biography Guggenheim Medal Awarded to Floyd L Thompson in 1974 (accessed: 18 May 2024)
17. ↑ "Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987," database with images
    (FamilySearch Record: QVYL-NXHF : accessed 17 May 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-C95D-496N-3 Image number 00080
    Floyd L Thompson death 10 Jul 1976 (born 25 Nov 1898), son of Gilbert Thompson & Anna Furlong, husband of Jean G Thompson, in Hampton, Virginia, United States
    citing Hampton, , Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.
18. ↑ "Find a Grave," database with images
    (Find A Grave: Memorial #252124058 : accessed 17 May 2024)
    Memorial page for Dr Floyd Laverne Thompson (25 Nov 1898-10 Jul 1976), citing Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, Hampton City, Virginia, USA; Maintained by Lizzie (contributor 51202923).

Acknowledgments

• Profile Thompson-12133 was created through the import of Suzanne J Cairns Family Tree.ged on Jul 15, 2013 by Suzy Cairns.