Harry Cashdollar, Class of 1953

Educators encourage students to "reach for the stars." The late Harry Cashdollar's career is proof that such a dream can become reality. His knowledge and leadership were responsible for guidance systems that put U.S. Astronauts on the moon. After graduating PJHS, Cashdollar enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. With his service duty complete, he pursued his college education. Cashdollar earned a BA in physics from Tulane University and master degrees in physics, control theory, and aerospace from UCLA and San Diego State University. Cashdollar distinguished himself as engineer for the top aerospace companies of the day; Douglas and Lockhead. As Senior Engineer for NASA, Cashdollar was the Team Leader that developed the guidance systems for the Saturn V, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built. Saturn V rockets took Apollo Mission Astronauts to the moon, thanks in part to the efforts and skills of Cashdollar.