A pioneer in air and space exploration has passed away at the age of 93.

 Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford, who was born in Weatherford, OK, played a major role in the Space Race during the Cold War. Stafford flew four historic missions, including Gemini 6, Gemini 9 and Apollo 10. He is one of only a handful of people to orbit the moon. Following his flight to the moon, NASA selected Stafford to become Chief of the Astronaut Office. 

Stafford graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 with honors, went on to help put an end to the Cold War, by fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. Stafford was awarded The Distringuished Flying Cross and the NASA Exceptional Service Award. He was also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. 

The Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford - built in 1993 - is named in Stafford's honor.