James van Hoften

James van Hoften is a former officer in the armed forces, astronaut, fighter pilot, engineer, and civil engineer. Born on November 6, 1944, in Fresno, California, he is a citizen of the United States. Van Hoften was educated at the University of California, Berkeley and Mills High School.

Throughout his career, van Hoften has received several awards and recognitions, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the NASA Space Flight Medal.