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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Brian Dettling

"I am the soft stars that shine at night"*

Ronald Dettling, (Ron) (1934 ?€“ 2004) was a devoted, resolute, wise, and loving man who enjoyed a lifelong passion for rocketry, space exploration, and aviation. So much so that while in high school, he nearly destroyed the family ranch in Lincoln, CA by emulating his idol, Robert Goddard. An early rocket motor project that was well-designed but poorly machined resulted in dangerous fuel leaks, which luckily were discovered before the ignition was sparked.

Ron redeemed himself by graduating class valedictorian from Lincoln High School and earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He was recruited by the US Navy even before graduation, and immediately afterward reported to work at the well-known research and development facility at China Lake, CA, then known as the Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS). For over 35 years, Ron contributed heavily to a wide range of Navy and Air Force projects including missile rocket motors, weapons safety, and other special programs. He was an instrumental member of the proof-of-concept design team for the Apollo Lunar Lander decent and maneuvering system.

He carefully followed NASA programs and especially rejoiced in the accomplishments of the Apollo program. In the late 1970s he even applied to be among the first 'class' of Space Shuttle mission specialists. In addition to rockets, Ron had a fascination with science fiction, flying, automobiles and motor sports. He built hotrods in his youth and restored MG T series roadsters in later years. He also earned a pilot's license and enjoyed the freedom of flight in small Cessna aircraft. Ron also enjoyed SCUBA diving and assisted in the invention and patenting of an underwater camera housing. Ron Dettling passed away in December 2004 after a brief but fierce fight with cancer, leaving behind his wife, son, six stepchildren, two grandchildren, a brother and sister, a niece and a nephew.

*(excerpt from "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep", attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye)