Victor Prather
Doctor Victor A. Prather Jr. | |
|---|---|
Prather prior to Strato-Lab V balloon flight. | |
| Birth name | Victor A. Prather Jr. |
| Nickname | Bud |
| Born | June 4, 1926 Lapeer, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | May 4, 1961 (aged 34) At sea in the Gulf of Mexico |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1943–1945, 1954–1961 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross, Harmon Trophy |
Lieutenant Commander Victor Alonzo Prather Jr. (June 4, 1926 – May 4, 1961) was an American flight surgeon famous for taking part in "Project RAM", a government project to develop the space suit. On May 4, 1961, Prather drowned during the helicopter transfer after the landing of the Strato-Lab V balloon flight, which set an altitude record for manned balloon flight which stood until 2012.