Oral History: Gene Kranz

This interview with flight controller Gene Kranz was part of an oral history program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He was interviewed by Roy Neal on April 28, 1999, in Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

[tombirkland]

This is a brilliant interview. Gene Kranz is someone I very deeply admire. I am glad I found this here.

[glenwoodriverresidentsgrou]

When I was a kid we had a saying for something impossible: “You can no more do that than you can go to the moon”. Thanks to Gene Kranz and others we can’t say that anymore.

[michaelmcclary]

I'm 70 today, and hang on every word of Gene Kranz!🎉

[mikezilla]

As a 35 year old man in 2022, I’m just in awe of Mr. Kranz and that whole generation, my grandfather is a Korean veteran. I am a brain injury survivor who works on a farm and I’m teaching myself Astronomy, farm work I strive to be “Tough and competent.” I sure wish I could video chat with him soon, it would be such an honor.

[Erniegrow]

What an absolutely incredible American. Inspired leadership, technical knowledge and brilliant execution personified. Thank you Mr Kranz 🇺🇸

[harryfeld]

I'm 76. Our country was going thru a tumultuous period back at this time. But the Apollo space program was a shining star for many Americans back then and it helped me feel proud to be an American. We were leading the way in exploring the Universe. What could be more exciting than that. Thank you Gene Kranz for leading the way and being a part of the best and the brightest America had to offer.

[SimplyTakuma]

He is 88 now, and Jim Lovell is 94. Still going strong its incredible

[joestimemachine]

To me Gene represents professionalism, discipline, and focus. Our lives would be much better if we each had our own Gene Kranz in our corner.

[brucehehl]

I realize he's told this story a thousand times. He wrote a book. His memory and recall is amazing. A true American hero. I have the utmost respect for this man of faith and science. Thank you for your service, sir! I loved your book.

[chrzoc]

Gene Kranz is my damn hero.


Tough and Competent. Perfect.

[PercyPruneMHDOIFandBars]

Gene Kranz and his contemporaries are the reason America was a great country. His final comments in this interview are especially poignant in that for humanity to advance we need to get out of "I" mode and into "WE" mode. Not just in America but worldwide.

He is so inspirational and humble too. If I had carte blanche to meet ANYONE from any historical endeavour, it would absolutely be Gene Kranz!

[aniwilliams]

Gene Kranz is my absolute life-hero. What an amazing, incredible man. I've learnt so much in terms of leadership and man-management from reading his books and have passed that wisdom on to people who worked for me. There were incredible men who went into space and went to the moon; but there were many more incredible men who enabled them to get there. Gene Kranz is one of the them.

[FreshlySnipes]

Crazy that he can sit there and talk about all of this technical stuff for 2.5 hours!

[jamespowell]

Mr. Kranz is a hero of mine! I have learned so much from him. He is a great leader.

[Realbillball]

I started watching this and suddenly three hours were gone.
I could listen to Gene for hours.

[miscellaneousetc.]

All students should have to watch this.

[l.tallmadge]

I appreciate the way of thinking these men have. I can apply their thought-to-action in day-to-day life. Helps deal with overwhelmness.

[mrsubase]

You see a great belief in the collective power of human beings. This is the essence of a great transition.

[michaelmcclary]

Gene Kranz & Jim Lovell are my 2 NASA Heroes!- Michael McClary, Professor of Trumpet 🎺, Georgia Perimeter College and GSU 🎉😂❤

[michaelmcclary]

NASA Heroes brought a light to life during the Vietnam tragedy! Thanks Ladies & Gentlemen 🎉🎉🎉