The DARING and EPIC Rescue of Apollo 13 | Capt. Jim Lovell

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Captain Jim Lovell is a former NASA astronaut and United States Navy test pilot, who made history as one of the first three humans to fly to and orbit the Moon on Apollo 8, and as the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission that narrowly returned to Earth after a critical failure in space. He was also the first astronaut to fly in space four times, having also previously flown on Gemini 7 and Gemini 12.
Cpt. Lovell graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1952 and became a naval aviator, flying the F2H Banshee, FJ-4 Fury, F8U Crusader, F3H Demon, and F-4 Phantom jets. He also served as a test pilot and a flight instructor before being selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1962. He retired from the Navy and the space program in 1973, and pursued a career in business, writing, and public speaking. He is a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Recorded on March 14th, 2023.
00:00 Intro
00:41 Lovell's First Rocket
02:18 Lovell Joins the Navy
05:15 Lovell Becomes an Aviator
10:40 Interest in Becoming Astronaut
11:29 Lovell Selected as Astronaut
11:42 Gemini 7
12:33 Orbiting In his Underwear
13:12 Gemini 12
14:44 Apollo 8
15:02 Launching on a Saturn V
16:01 Seeing the far side of the moon
17:01 Earth Rise
18:01 Apollo 13
18:25 Apollo 13 Explosion
20:26 Apollo 13 Splashdown
21:58 Lovell's Mindset
Video Credits:
Interviewer - TJ Cooney
Director of Photography - Edwin Diaz
Editor - TJ Cooney
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[@ray.shoesmith]

Jim Lovell isn't a national treasure, he's a world treasure

[@americanveteranscenter]

We agree

[@66kbm]

World Treasure.

[@sneezinhatch]

He's a GOAT

[@PHDiaz-vv7yo]

No, he a Trans-Lunar Legend

[@christopher-ke9nj]

Bloody Norah Captain you haven't half got a problem damn epic work

[@seans587]

In his 90's and has a better memory than I do, what an absolute legend!

[@kkrabill7882]

Thank you for this. Well done. The interviewer and producer deserve credit for letting this gentleman speak.

[@TheWeatherbuff]

I just turned 60, and he's got me whipped by about... say... 230,000 miles. 😊

[@bikeny]

I had to look it up and he just turned 95 in March.

[@davidsheckler4450]

It's called a NDA those will keep your memory sharp

[@operation1968]

​@@davidsheckler4450 Don't you mean DNA? Why would he need to sign an NDA over this? Let alone one that lasts for so many years?

[@RV4aviator]

What a Gentleman. A Naval Aviator , NASA Astronaut, and a very modest man. From humble and non privileged beginnings Mr Lovell worked hard to achieve what most of us dream of...!!! Thank you Sir....!!

[@lyianx]

And Test Pilot. Being a Test pilot is one of the most dangerous jobs because you are testing brand new, unproven aircraft.

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

He's one of three to go to the moon twice, the only one of the three not to walk on it. Still a legend. So glad he's still with us. Huge respect.

[@animula6908]

I heard him say once “lots of people walked on the moon!” Making it clear he was satisfied with his legacy versus other space explorers. Lol.

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

Hard watching these amazing men age...now 95...still a remarkable man, Jim Lovell.

[@PHDiaz-vv7yo]

I saw him speak before us in 2015. 88 years old. Stood for 90 mins. Answered questions. Legend

[@lfrankow]

He watched silently, as congress turned NASA into just another bloated government agency. That had to take as much guts and class as handling his trip to space. Honor and respect to him.

[@colonelharland7833]

All men age, especially the amazing ones

[@ryanschweikhardt]

Love how Jim just glossed over a 14 day flight in a ridiculously cramped Gemini like it was nothing 😂

[@respectdawildo_danjones508]

Frank said it was “boring” lol

[@ryanschweikhardt]

@WheresWildo_[Dan Jones] yeah boring but do you know what they had to do for waste and how terrible the food was?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

The Flying Men's Room, they called it!

[@jjacks1965]

Yep in his underwear 😂

[@nicholasmaude6906]

I found out of the wikipedia article about Jim Lovell that he turned 95 earlier this year, I hope he's still around in five years time to celebrate his 100th birthday.

[@stevemastnick5034]

I hope he's still here when,and if,we orbit and land on the moon next year and the year after.

[@nicholasmaude6906]

@@stevemastnick5034 Well he seems to be in good health so I'd say the odds of him still being alive for Artemis II are good (And maybe Artemis III too).

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

What a cool guy. Thanks to all our Astronauts and Veterans. God Bless America👍😀

[@woodrowcall3269]

He did ! 🇺🇸

[@fhlostonparaphrase]

95 and his mind seems to be sharp indeed, what a legend! And what a treat to have an Apollo astronaut on here.

[@erichgolden1812]

We have a street named after Captain Lovell here in Milwaukee. As a Wisconsin engineer, he's a personal hero of mine.

[@colonelharland7833]

And a VA named after him in North Chicago

[@sethlabiaux420]

I've listened to the audio logs from the Apollo 13 mission, it's amazing how calm everyone was during the event.

[@andrewwebb-trezzi2422]

You panic, you die.

[@billakers6082]

Training.

[@EdWeibe]

Confidence I guess, that they have what its going to take to succeed.

[@104thDIVTimberwolf]

Of all of the astronauts I have had the high privilege of meeting, Captain Lovell and Pete Conrad were two of my favorites. Both men came across as being completely unaware that anybody might consider them to be heroes and Jim made you feel like you were the only person in the room when he talked to you and that you could do anything he could do. Pete was just having the time of his life and genuinely felt you should be too. I am in awe of both of them as men and then as my astronaut heroes.

[@martinap1961]

I had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends will Al Bean. So cool !

[@gottadomor7438]

Too many, "characters" to admire - to the max - but yes, Jim Lovell & Pete Conrad still stand out just a little bit more.

[@davidsheckler4450]

AstroNots

[@Nonya_Concern]

Jim is definitely one of the astronauts id most like to meet. Definitely one of my favorite astronauts

[@davidsheckler4450]

@@Nonya_Concern astroNots

[@Paul1958R]

Happy 95th birthday Captain Lovell! Thank you for your service to the nation. Paul (in MA)

[@SynchronizorVideos]

I legitimately wasn’t aware that Jim was still with us. Guy is an absolute legend of the space program - and not just because of Apollo 13. I wish the unedited interview was available somewhere, because I could listen to him talk for hours about his military and astronaut careers.

[@chrysopylaedesign]

God Bless, Jim Lovell. Lived life & history; wasn't just an observer.

[@electronlegacy9051]

Wow he is fabulous for 95. Total respect for a real legend.

[@rocketdyneF1]

Jim Lovell and the other Apollo astronauts, engineers and mission controllers are my hero’s.

[@phill.2924]

heroes.

[@marciasimpson8852]

Absolutely!! Apollo 13 is one of my favorite movies!! The team worked day and night to bring these guys home!!!

[@gottadomor7438]

@MS: Apollo 13: The Successful Failure.

[@berniemilligan5819]

Capt. Lovell , it is great seeing you again and listening to your Navy and NASA experiences. Sir as always, my deepest respect.

[@youdaman5069]

Thank you Mr Lovell for being brave to bring back the crew to Earth and your service! 🫡🇺🇸

[@trevorsmith7753]

95 years old. What a nice guy!

[@michaeltempleton5862]

I was in the 8th grade when Apollo 13 had its problems, and I remember my science teacher set up a TV in the Library for us to watch the Apollo 13 splash down. We all cheered when the Astronauts were safe....

[@gottadomor7438]

Cool teacher.

[@dwmzmm]

I skipped school that Friday to stay home to watch live coverage of the splashdown. My dad wrote an excuse note to my teachers stating that his son (me) felt obligated to be a part of history in watching the return of the Apollo - 13. The excuse was gladly accepted by my teachers...

[@Quanvietdung1]

On Apollo 8, Jim Lovell was one of the first to leave his home planet and enter the sphere of influence of another cosmic entity. On the Apollo 13, Jim Lovell and his teammates set the record for the person who traveled the farthest from Earth in human history, no one has ever broken this record. Jim Lovell is one of the greatest explorers in human history.

[@gottadomor7438]

Well said.

[@davidsheckler4450]

Were you there 🤣😅😂

[@STSGuitar16]

Wait, did Apollo 13 travel past the moon or something? Wouldn’t the astronauts who landed on the moon be the humans who have been the farthest from earth? Genuine question.

[@davidsheckler4450]

@@STSGuitar16 You have to check & see if there are any remaining staff from Universal Studios from the movie set. They might know 👍

[@tedpeterson1156]

@@STSGuitar16 Has to do with the orbits and the calendar, and what they were trying to do. Which was get home without running out of air to breathe.

[@Ratlins9]

Watching this humble man talk is an inspiration to all young men and woman who wish to pursue their dreams.

[@sc1784]

95 years old and he is a sharp as ever. Captain Lovell has always been one of my favorites and is one of the most down-to-earth and nicest of all of the Mercury/Gemini/Apollo era astronauts.

[@anthonywirth995]

Attention on deck hand salute...to. Thank you, Capt Lovell.

[@datruth9872]

One of Americas AMAZING PEOPLE a wonderful life, what an honor to be alive to have seen this happen .

[@mikeguthrie5432]

We as a country, are so lucky to have men like Jim Lovell! And of course, all the Other "astronauts" of the early space programs as well. So I will say, "Thank you to all you Gentlemen for your service"!

[@JeromeG1956]

I got the privilege of meeting Capt. Lovell in 1993. A true hero.

[@salmonboy-oh2dd]

My favorite Astronaut captain Jim Lovell!!

[@Chatta-Ortega]

It amazes me that the entire Apollo 8 crew is still with us. Good men.

[@dwmzmm]

And all three are still married to their original sweethearts.

[@Chatta-Ortega]

@@dwmzmm I believe Frank Borman's wife passed after battling Alzheimer's.

[@dwmzmm]

@@Chatta-Ortega Thank you, I wasn't aware of that.

[@wimkuijpers1342]

I love Jim's tie.

[@MrArtmundus]

That's straight leadership right there. From no expectations at all in highschool to bringing back (with all help) his crew to earth.

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

A great hero and badass for having to survive a catastrophe, able to overcome odds so they all come home. Salute to him (along with all those back in Houston).

[@tomgaro1159]

He is one of the last of the greatest heros. An amazing man and a true role model for anyone who will listen! God bless you Mr. Lovell...

[@emilyme05]

If only we had gentlemen like this man today, the world would be a better place. Kind, humble, intelligent, and gratitude are a few of the character traits I immediately thought when listening to Jim. He’s a legend.

[@corneleousworthington4566]

Cap'n Lovell is such a cool cat- one of my heros for sure! So down to earth, for someone who has experienced so much!

[@hapyharyhard0n581]

At THE top of my list of living people i wish to meet. ...This man is one of my heros.

[@jastrapper190]

I could listen to that man talk all day… what a career arc.

[@danieldevito6380]

This country needs men like Jim more than EVER

[@JC-jl5tj]

A true American hero that will be remembered forever.

[@NigelsModellingBench]

I absolutely love this guy. I was there when you took off in Apollo 13 Jim.

[@gazzpazzer]

He’s a legend.

[@5555522255555]

I feel so sad for him, twice at the moon but not landing, but what a LEGEND

[@theonlymadmac4771]

Always was and still is my hero since 1968!

[@alanluscombe8a553]

That is a smart man and what I would say is a life well lived. This man is a hero of mine

[@tgchism]

Lucky for NASA and the U.S., Jim was at the right place at the right time to get to the Apollo program! Well done Jim and thank you!

[@youreale]

I've heard this story from capt. Lowell many times and I never get tired of it. Hes a true legend and a very decent and honorable man.

[@tombystander]

His apollo 13 post mission press conference with fred and jack is simply amazing. Jims a wonderful speaker

[@tommychew6544]

Thanks for showing this video, it's great to hear firsthand accounts like this!

[@Cokie907]

This guy is a national treasure. So glad he's a fellow "Boat School" grad and that he's still with us! Bravo Zulu to Capt. Lovell, USN (ret.)!

[@vinnybag-o-donuts4362]

I love how excited this legend gets when he talks about flight. I wish I could have seen what your eyes have 🙌

[@Semipr0]

Jim Lovell was one of my favorite astronauts I still tremember watching Apollo 8 on Christmas Eve as thet orbited the Moon with my parents.

[@billakers6082]

My hero.

[@theprof73]

I love the line in the movie when his mom says that 'if they could make a washer machine fly, my Jimmy could land it'

[@gottadomor7438]

Proud mama bear. Her son a grizzly in teddy bear clothing.

[@huihey1]

Even more proud now that I received an autographed Apollo-8 badge from Capt. Lovell a few months ago. Such a great man ...

[@helenafranzen9828]

Put this gentleman in whatever modern aircraft and I´m sure he could fly it. Much respect, mr Lovell!

[@smasher.338]

Amazing hearing it from the man himself.

[@DashPar]

Astronaut Lovell is a national treasure!❤️🇺🇸

[@MrWheelGun]

Great interview! Thanks for letting him speak without interruption. Living American history!

[@bobgrewe988]

What an awesome interview and American. I recall those flights from long ago and along with other Americans admired the courage these guys had. God Bless em all.

[@mwalker3547]

Jim Lovell was one of my childhood heroes. He is still as sharp as a tack.

[@jackrosado746]

Now THIS is a piece of historical footage for the ages man.

[@rushmore3927]

That man is a true legend.

[@davidconley3610]

Mr Lovell was my favorite of all astronauts growing up! One of my childhood heroes!!

[@gives_bad_advice]

agreed. and I'm not embarrassed to admit that he's one of my adulthood heroes!

[@ulazygit]

Naval aviators … just awesome!

[@AZPatriot76]

I had the honor of meeting him a few years back at his restaurant in Illinois. Very nice man and true American hero.

[@tigertiger1699]

Why do I get the impression that not a nicer human has lived..? He’s a spitting personality of our father.., a true gent..🌹

[@matttaylor2009]

What an amazing interview. Thank you for sharing this heritage

[@chrisgarrett1257]

I had the fortunate opportunity to meet Jim Lovel, recounting the events of Apollo 13 about 25 years ago, before the movie was made. He was a great and humble storyteller then, and still has it today!

[@sandyhanson6082]

Just love him! Thank you sir for your service.👍

[@Guidotoons101]

I was fortunate enough to have about 30-40 minutes with him at a corporate event and he was just so nice and answered every one of my fanboy questions. This was around the time of the Apollo 13 movie release. Incredible human being.

[@maxdakul]

What an amazing man! I'd go into space if he was in charge!

[@sidv4615]

He's my idol. And even though im not american i respect the hell out of these guys. Salute to you and your comrades sir. 🫡

[@treybratcher389]

I love Jim Lovell he his a Great American and a hero he is always filled with passion and is always so engaged and it’s refreshing

[@onyourmarkphoto]

He must wonder how many times he has to tell his tale. But he always acts like its the first time. Thank you sir!

[@Roger-hp1yg]

He's telling it like it just happened yesterday. What a great memory this gentleman has. To remember all that. Thank you Mr Lovel for your service in NASA.

[@stephenriggs8177]

Right place at the right times. What a life!

[@n6mz]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SERVICE, Captain Lovell.

[@eddiea3782]

I watched the Apollo 13 Mission on television when I was 12 years old. Jim Lovell is a hero to me. May God Bless him.

[@user-du6wq7jz7w]

I know Jim. We were having lunch one day when I ask him what was the scariest thing that had happened to him in his life. Like me, you'd probably think his answer would have been the Apollo 13 explosion - and, like me, you'd been wrong. Before his time with NASA, Jim had been a test pilot. His answer had to do with that. I'll paraphrase his answer, "Like any test pilot will tell you, thee very last thing you want to do is to be flying a jet airplane for the purpose of finding out what it will really do - you're testing it - and for something to happen - something would go wrong - and you'd have to reach down between you legs and pull something that would set off a bomb that would blow your ass (seat) out of the airplane ... and you didn't have any idea whether or not you would clear thee plane fast enough so that its tail structure didn't cut you in half." He's a good man. I first met him at the Cape. We're both vets.

[@michaelmcgrath6044]

What a beautiful interview I have so many wonderful childhood memories of following the space programme in the sixties and seventies. I had many heroes at the time including Jim Lovell, Frank Borman and of course Michael Collins who had family connections to our area. It was all made more magical when I would look out the window and see a full moon rising from behind the hill on our farm. Mike. ( in the west of Ireland)

[@pauldesousa6688]

Sir, we salute you certainly from our generation. Dearest regards from London

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Tom Hanks was excited to play Jim Lovell, and Jim Lovell was even more excited that he was played by Tom Hanks! Mutual respect 👍

[@jimgiordano8218]

This is a real treat for me. I was 5 yo when the Mercury program started and that was when I got lost in the space program. Hearing this interview brings back so memories. Thank you for posting this.

[@joelpierce3940]

He tells a great story, and is a great example of what a man can achieve

[@raymondeaton5692]

Jim Lovell and Frank Borman are my all-time favorite astronauts. I grew up watching them. The real deal. I've heard him tell these stories a hundred times but it never gets old.

[@jackkenefick2696]

A giant in the history of humanity

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

I think this interview could be 1000 hours, and would just get better and better. So many tales to tell.

[@showme6448]

You got to love Jim.....awesome man.

[@arcoulant87]

Priceless what a man Jim Lovell Thank you .

[@MrDoneboy]

God Bless Jim Lovell!

[@debbiea9262]

Such an amazing legend

[@dolldoll2914]

👩🏻‍💻"Are you afraid? Well, if they can get a washing machine to fly, my Jimmy can land it." I love and revere this man, one of America's best pilots and astronauts. James Lovell's career is impeccable, bar none. 🙋‍♀️🥰🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your courage ❤🇺🇸

[@meveevem1001]

I never heard Captain Lovell tell this kind of detail ~ What a fantastic interview! To hear his feelings ~ It is so beautiful to hear him ~ Thank you Captain Lovell !!

[@hikesystem7721]

I admire Jim Lovell tremendously!

[@Pdeloosha]

Jim Lovell is a man who was placed on this earth for a reason. Fortunately, he was brave enough to raise his hand !

[@waynewilliams8554]

Our Dad let my brother and me be late for school to see Al Shepard make the first Mercury flight. I've always kept up with the US Space program. This video is new to me, and probably one of the last ones he's done. Amazing man with the coolest head on his shoulders when the crap hit the rotating airfoil. Thank you for posting!!

[@ATCguy1973]

I'm betting and hoping he makes it to 100 👍. What a man and what an American legend he has become!

[@AirborneAnt]

He’s been my hero since 4th grade (1995)