Albert Scott Crossfield

About the Author

Albert Scott Crossfield was a pioneering American aviator and test pilot whose daring exploits in the skies pushed the boundaries of aviation and space exploration. Born in 1921 in California, Crossfield served as a naval aviator during World War II before becoming a key figure in the development of high-speed aircraft at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the precursor to NASA. He earned his place in history as the first man to fly at twice the speed of sound in the X-15 rocket plane, enduring extreme conditions that tested the limits of human endurance. In his memoir, Always Another Dawn: The Story of a Rocket Test Pilot, Crossfield recounts his thrilling career with vivid detail and unflinching honesty, offering readers a firsthand glimpse into the golden age of experimental flight. A recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal and other honors, Crossfield's legacy endures as a symbol of American ingenuity and courage in the pursuit of the stars.