Homer Hickam is an American author, former NASA engineer, and Vietnam War veteran. He’s widely known for his autobiographical novel Rocket Boys: A Memoir, published in 1998. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Homer Hickam net worth, career accomplishments, personal life, and notable works.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Homer Hadley Hickam Jr. |
| Popular Name | Homer Hickam |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | February 19, 1943 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of 2024) |
| Parents | Homer Hickam Sr. and Elsie Gardener Hickam |
| Siblings | Not Available |
| Birth Place | Coalwood, West Virginia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Not Available |
| Education | Virginia Polytechnic Institute, B.S., 1964 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | Heterosexual |
| Spouse | Linda Terry Hickam |
| Children | David, Karen, and Linda |
| Dating History | First wife (1977-1986), Linda Terry Hickam (1998-present) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 Million (as of 2024) |
| Source of Wealth | Author, Former NASA Engineer, Vietnam War Veteran |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
What is Homer Hickam Net Worth and Salary in 2024?
As of 2024, Homer Hickam’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth comes from his successful career as a bestselling author and former NASA engineer. While his net worth is modest compared to other famous writers, Hickam’s influence in the scientific and literary communities has earned him numerous awards and recognition. Also, check Harvey Mackay Net Worth.
Why is Homer Hickam Famous?
Homer Hickam is famous for his contributions to both science and literature. As a engineer at NASA, he trained the first Japanese astronauts and played a critical role in designing the International Space Station (ISS).
In the literary world, his autobiographical novel Rocket Boys put him on the map as a best-selling author. His body of written work includes several additional memoirs and novels, such as the Josh Thurlow historical fiction novels and the New York times best-selling Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his Wife, and her Alligator, and Torpedo Junction, or Sky of Stone.
Homer Hickam Career and Awards
Homer Hickam’s career spans across various fields, including science, engineering, and literature. He served in the U.S Army for six years, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon for his services during the Vietnam War.
After his military service, Hickam worked as an engineer for the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command before moving to NASA, where he trained astronauts and played a critical role in designing the ISS.
As an author, he wrote several books that were widely recognized and translated into many languages. His most famous book, Rocket Boys, was turned into a movie and inspired the development of the annual Rocket Boys Festival in West Virginia in 1999.
Hickam’s accomplishments have earned him numerous awards and recognition, such as induction into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame and the Distinguished Research and Development Award from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Homer Hickam Biography Overview
Early Life
Homer Hickam was born on February 19, 1943, in Coalwood, West Virginia. He grew up in a coal-mining town with his parents, Homer Sr. and Elsie Gardener Hickam, and his older brother, Jim. Despite his family’s financial struggles, Hickam developed a love for science and exploration from a young age.
Education
Hickam graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960, where he and his friends became amateur rocket builders and called themselves The Big Creek Missile Agency (BCMA). They won a gold and silver medal in the area of propulsion at the 1960 National Science Fair.
He later attended Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering.
Personal Life
Hickam is married to Linda Terry, and they have two children together. He currently resides in Alabama and spends his time writing books and giving lectures on space exploration and science education. You might also like Harris Faulkner Net Worth.
Homer Hickam News
In 2021, Homer Hickam released a sequel to Rocket Boys titled Don’t Blow Yourself Up: The Further Adventures and Travails of the Rocket Boy of October Sky. The book continues the story of Hickam’s life after the success of Rocket Boys.
Homer Hickam Social Media
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FAQs about Homer Hickam
How did Homer Hickam make his money?
Homer Hickam made his money through a successful career as a writer, publishing various books including the memoir Rocket Boys which was later adapted into the film October Sky.
Has Homer Hickam ever had financial difficulties?
There is no evidence to suggest that Homer Hickam has ever faced significant financial difficulties.
Does Homer Hickam donate to charity?
Yes, Homer Hickam has been known to support several charitable causes throughout his career, including education and literacy programs.
See Also
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/08/22/nasa-internship-reportedly-lost-after-twitter-spat-homer-hickam/1066538002/
- Wernher von Braun Net Worth
- Joe Johnston Net Worth
- Jake Gyllenhaal Net Worth
Conclusion
Homer Hickam’s inspiring life story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. From humble beginnings, he rose to become a renowned NASA engineer and bestselling author, earning numerous awards and recognition along the way. His contributions to science and literature continue to inspire generations, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
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