Following graduation from high school in January 1943, Mr. Toth began work as an engine apprentice at the NACA Lewis Research Center in Brookpark, Ohio. Just two weeks later, John was called to report for US Army basic training and he was subsequently assigned to the US Army Air Corps. Upon completion of Air Corps aircraft maintenance training, he was assigned to India where he worked work on bombers and transports that were flying the “Hump”. John rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After discharge from WWII service, he returned to the NACA Lewis Research Center. He was involved in the following projects:
• Testing of Junkers diesel engines
• Testing of early jet engines to determine what was causing engine compressor stalls
• Early to mid-60’s was a lead mechanic in the development, building, testing and modifying mercury vapor test cells. This later evolved into work on Brayton loop power systems that were used to power deep space satellites and Skylab.
• Late 60’s was a lead mechanic on the Centaur Environmental Vacuum Test Chamber.
• Was the lead mechanic on TF30-P1 engine modifications for which he received a written commendation and awards in 1971.
After 30 years of service, John retired from NASA in January 1973. He now lives a life of enjoying his grandchildren and great grandchildren.