Visiting the gravesite of Apollo 13 astronaut and congressman elect John L. Swigert Jr. (Jack Swigert).
He is buried in Denver Colorado at the Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
*Jack Swigert* (1931-1982) was an American NASA astronaut, test pilot, mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer, and United States Air Force pilot. His notable accomplishments include:
1. *Apollo 13 Mission (1970):* Swigert served as the command module pilot for Apollo 13. During this mission, an intended Moon landing was canceled due to a ruptured fuel-cell oxygen tank in the service module. Despite the crisis, the crew safely returned to Earth, making it one of the most dramatic space rescues in history .
2. *Pre-NASA Career:* Before joining NASA in 1966, Swigert was a civilian test pilot and fighter pilot in the Air National Guard. His passion for aviation led him to become a licensed private pilot by age 16.
3. *Political Aspirations:* After leaving NASA, Swigert ran for Senate but lost in a primary election. He later ran for Congress and won the election for Colorado's new 6th district in 1982. Unfortunately, he passed away before being sworn in .
In summary, Jack Swigert's legacy is marked by his crucial role in the Apollo 13 mission and his dedication to both space exploration and public service. 🚀🌎🇺🇸