Many Niagara County residents have made a mark for themselves both locally and around the world. Some have even ventured into outer space. Such is the case for Air Force Lt. Col. William G. Gregory (ret.), born in Lockport on May 14, 1957. As a lad, Gregory attended Charles Upson School from 1962-1968 and graduated from Lockport High School in 1975. As an Eagle Scout from Troop 6 at the Emmanuel Methodist Church, he worked on a project to make Lockport streets safer by increasing visibility around some very dangerous intersections.

Gregory’s formal education included earning a Bachelors Degree in engineering science in 1979 from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Science degree in engineering mechanics from Columbia University in 1980, and a Masters Degree in Management from Troy State in 1984.

After completing his formal university study, Gregory continued his specialized training with the Air Force. Between 1981-1986, he served as an operational fighter pilot flying various models of the F-111. After attending USAF Test Pilot School, he served as a test pilot and instructor at Edwards AFB and flew such planes as the F-4, A-7D, and all five models of the F-15. Having flown 40 different types of aircraft, he logged over 5,000 hours of flight time.

Gregory was selected by NASA to join the astronaut program in 1991 and subsequently served in various technical assignments that included pilot of the STS-67 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in March 1995. His crew established a new mission duration record of 16 days 15 hours, 8 minutes and 46 seconds, completing 262 orbits of the earth. Gregory logged over 400 hours in space before retiring in 1999.

William Gregory often remarks that the lessons taught him in Lockport have stuck with him throughout his life. He has special remembrances of his days in scouting and exhorts young people to be diligent to their studies and learn well the valuable principles taught. Perhaps, someday, their own path may lead them from Niagara County to “a place where no man has gone before.”

Douglas Farley, Director
Erie Canal Discover Center
24 Church St.
Lockport NY 14094
716.439.0431
CanalDiscovery@aol.com
www.NiagaraHistory.org