Proceedings of the X-15 First Flight 30th Anniversary Celebration

Credit for the concept of a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the first free flight of the X-15 rocket powered research aircraft belongs to Milton 0.
Thompson, Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility (DFRF) Chief Engineer and himself a former X-15 research pilot.
With the Ames Research Center management solidly behind us, a small committee was formed to develop the program and see that the multitudinous tasks were accomplished and necessary policies established. Milt applied his legendary powers of persuasion and obtained commitments to participate from X-15 program alumni and other aerospace notables. A firm prior commitment, however, did preclude participation by former X-15 pilot Neil Armstrong.