Robert Overmyer

“Robert ‘Buck’ Overmyer, a true pioneer from Ohio to orbit, reminds us that the journey to the stars is a blend of brilliance, bravery, and the unexpected. His story, soaring from earthly trials to space triumphs, echoes the adventurous spirit of Buck Rogers, bridging the gap between childhood dreams and cosmic realities.”

Robert “Buck” Overmyer, an Ohioan with deep roots in space exploration, left an indelible mark on the U.S. space program. Born in Lorain and raised in Westlake, where he graduated high school, Overmyer’s fascination with space started early and was affectionately captured in his childhood nickname, “Buck,” inspired by Buck Rogers. His journey from terrestrial beginnings to stellar heights was fueled by a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Baldwin Wallace College and a Master of Science degree in aeronautics from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Overmyer’s career was as diverse as it was distinguished. He began active duty with the Marine Corps, serving in various capacities before joining the Air Force Test Pilots School. His love for space led him to participate in the Air Force’s Manned Orbiting Laboratory Program. Despite its cancellation, Overmyer’s dedication didn’t falter, earning him the Air Force’s Meritorious Service Medal in 1968. In 1969, NASA recognized his potential and selected him as an astronaut, where he contributed significantly to the Skylab program.

His space odyssey continued with his involvement in the Apollo 17 mission as a support crew member and his role in the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Overmyer’s expertise was not limited to the confines of Earth’s atmosphere. He was instrumental in the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test program, earning the moniker “tile czar” for his meticulous oversight of the shuttle’s tiling. His dedication was further recognized with the Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal in 1978.

Overmyer’s dreams took flight aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1982 as the pilot of its first fully operational flight. Despite challenges, including a failed spacewalk due to spacesuit issues, the mission successfully deployed two commercial communication satellites. In 1985, he commanded the Challenger on a mission that included deploying satellites and conducting a series of experiments in the Spacelab module.

On March 22, 1996, the world lost this intrepid explorer when he died in a plane crash while testing a prototype for Cirrus Design Corp. Overmyer, who was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, continues to be remembered for his contributions to space exploration and his indomitable spirit that encouraged so many to look beyond the horizon and dream big. His legacy is commemorated in various ways, including an Ohio Historical Marker in his memory, ensuring that the boy nicknamed “Buck” for his love of space will inspire future generations to reach for the stars.

Buy an Art Print of Robert Overmyer