A bronze statue of John L. “Jack” Swigert Jr., a celebrated figure in space exploration and political service, stands proudly in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Donated by the state of Colorado in 1997, this statue serves as a lasting tribute to Swigert’s remarkable life and contributions to both space travel and public service. John Swigert’s legacy is firmly rooted in American history, particularly for his pivotal role in the dramatic Apollo 13 mission.
Early Life and Education of John Swigert
Born on August 30, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, John Swigert demonstrated an early aptitude for both academics and athletics. He pursued higher education at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he not only excelled in his studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, but also showcased his athletic abilities as a varsity football player. Swigert’s commitment to service led him to the Air Force, where he served as a combat pilot during the Korean War, gaining invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. His passion for pushing boundaries extended beyond military service as he transitioned into the role of a test pilot, constantly seeking to master new challenges in aviation. Furthering his academic credentials, John Swigert obtained a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration degree from Hartford College, solidifying his expertise and preparing him for the next giant leap in his career – NASA’s Apollo program.
John Swigert and the Apollo 13 Mission
John Swigert’s name became synonymous with courage and ingenuity during the Apollo 13 mission. Launched on April 11, 1970, Apollo 13 was intended to be the third lunar landing attempt. Swigert served as the Command Module Pilot alongside astronauts James A. Lovell Jr. and Fred W. Haise Jr. However, the mission took a dramatic turn when an oxygen tank ruptured in the spacecraft’s service module. This critical malfunction forced the mission to be aborted, placing the crew in a perilous situation hundreds of thousands of miles from Earth.
Amidst the crisis, John Swigert and his fellow astronauts, working closely with mission control, displayed exceptional skill and composure. Swigert played a crucial role in navigating the crippled spacecraft and managing its limited resources. After nearly six days of intense challenges and global anxiety, the Apollo 13 crew, including John Swigert, safely returned to Earth on April 17, 1970. Their survival was hailed as a triumph of human resilience and technical expertise, and John Swigert became a national hero for his part in this extraordinary endeavor.
Post-NASA Career and Political Aspirations
Following his remarkable journey with Apollo 13, John Swigert continued to contribute to the field of space exploration and public service. He leveraged his expertise as the staff director of the Committee on Science and Technology in the U.S. House of Representatives, influencing science policy and contributing to future technological advancements. Driven by a desire to serve his home state of Colorado in a new capacity, John Swigert entered the political arena. In 1982, he was elected to represent Colorado’s newly established Sixth Congressional District. Tragically, John Swigert passed away on December 27, 1982, before he could take office, cutting short a promising career in Congress.
The John Swigert Statue: A Tribute by the Lundeens
The statue of John Swigert in the National Statuary Hall Collection was sculpted by Mark and George Lundeen, brothers and Colorado-based artists renowned for their figurative sculptures. Natives of Nebraska, the Lundeen brothers have established a prominent studio in Loveland, Colorado. George Lundeen’s formal art education includes degrees from Hastings College and the University of Illinois, along with a Fulbright-Hayes Scholarship to study at the Academia de Belle Arte in Florence, Italy. Mark Lundeen, with a business degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and studies of European masters, complements his brother’s artistic background.
Together and individually, the Lundeens have created and placed sculptures in over sixty locations across the United States, including significant sites like airports, universities, and corporate headquarters. They also crafted the statue of Amelia Earhart for the National Statuary Hall Collection, further demonstrating their skill in creating enduring tributes to notable figures. Their collaborative process and comprehensive studio capabilities, handling all aspects of bronze fabrication, ensure the quality and artistic integrity of their works, like the powerful statue commemorating John Swigert’s legacy. This statue serves as a constant reminder of John Swigert’s bravery, intellect, and dedication to both space exploration and public service, inspiring visitors to the National Statuary Hall Collection for generations to come.
