The 2018 AESS Judith A. Resnik Space Award was presented to Dr. Walter Howard Delashmit, Jr. for his work on the Apollo Space Program Preflight and Postflight GNC analyses (with emphasis on Apollo 13) and early Skylab Program.

Dr. Delashmit received the award at IEEE METROCON 2018 in Hurst, Texas on November 7, 2018.

Regrettably, Dr. Delashmit passed away on February 14, 2019 at his home in Justin, Texas after a long illness.

He was born on December 14, 1944 in Memphis, TN, to Walter H. Delashmit, Sr. and Gertrude Marie Scott Delashmit. He grew up in the Millington (Shake Rag) area and attended all Millington Schools, graduating from Millington High School in 1962. He then attended Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN, graduating in 1966 with a BSEE (cum laude, Dean’s list all 8 semesters). He then continued his education at the University of Tennessee (Space Institute), graduating in 1968 with a MSEE with a minor in mathematics. He later completed a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, graduating in 2003. He worked for 41 years in the aerospace industry, and 2 years as an Adjunct Facility Member at the University of North Texas. Walter worked at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (1982-2007) developing “smart” missile systems, at the Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory (1976-1982) developing advanced torpedo systems, at Martin Marietta Aerospace (1972-1976) developing advanced cruise missile technology, and at TRW Systems (1969-1972) working on the Apollo and Skylab Programs, including Apollo 11 and 13.

Walter received a copy of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from NASA (1970) for his work on Apollo 13, received the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President’s Performance Award (2000) for his work on developing and implementing Improved Software Processes, and received a Significant Technical Achievement in Research (STAR) Award (1986) from the Strategic Defense (SDI) Program and the U.S. Secretary of Defense. He was selected for the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement of Notable Alumni (WANA) (2017). He also received many other awards.

Walter was a life Senior Member (LSM) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as well as being a Charter Member and 50+ Year Member, a member of Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society), and Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society). He is also a Registered Professional Engineer (PA,FL). Walter has over 40 peer reviewed technical publications in advanced Technical Journals and Conferences.