General Bernard A. Schriever: Technological Visionary (Cover Story‪)‬

"A technological visionary ... a pioneer in the research and development of new ballistic missile and space programs ... a dynamic, innovative leader, and valued advisor." These are some of the attributes that have characterized the life of General Bernard A. Schriever and marked his career of outstanding achievement. Born on September 14, 1910, in Bremen, Germany, Schriever was only six years old when he came to the United States on the eve of our nation's entry into World War I. Shortly after the family settled nearby to San Antonio, Texas, his father was killed in an industrial accident. His mother, Elizabeth, worked at a variety of jobs to raise "Bennie" and his younger brother, Gerhard. She instilled in the boys the importance of education and somehow provided them the opportunity to attend college. Both sons were graduated from Texas A&M. In 1931, Bennie Schriever earned an engineering degree and an Army commission through the ROTC. He soon caught the flying bug and transferred from the Artillery to Air Corps. Schriever also became a superb golfer, and in 1932 won the state's amateur golf title by defeating Captain Ken Rogers, later one of his flight instructors at Kelly Field.