Name/Title
Oral History of Joseph W. BrandonEntry/Object ID
2020.003.001Scope and Content
Joseph Brandon worked to receive his degree in aeronautical engineering from North Carolina State College, also participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). In 1956, Brandon and his family settled in Los Altos when guided missiles were relocated to Sunnyvale. In order to keep the “small town feeling” of Los Altos, he became involved in many community groups, such as the Homeowners’ League. He also was fundamental in the planning, fundraising, and execution of the war heroes’ memorial statue that stands in Shoup Park.
ROTC led to his heavy involvement in many branches of the United States Military throughout his life. He was working as a civilian for the US Navy when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, leading him to be formally inducted into the US Army. He was first stationed in Dayton, OH, but after five months he was sent to Great Britain on special assignment, where he researched the damage fighter planes were taking in battle. After returning to the States, he set up a training program in Britain for engineers to repair these damaged planes. In 1951, he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War and began working for the defense department in the Pentagon. Brandon goes on to describe accepting a position with the aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin in 1954, where he worked in their missiles and defense department. Brandon recounts the many objectives and obstacles he faced during his time at Lockheed Martin, including the challenge of staying up to date with the ever-changing technology that was constantly being developed during this time. He also did extensive work on communications satellites, as well as budget proposals for space exploration projects.Collection
Oral History CollectionOral History Details
Interviewee
Joseph BrandonInterviewer
Eric GreenhutInterview Date
Jul 26, 2019