Dieter Grau, rocket pioneer and member of the original Wernher von Braun Team, passed away on December 17, 2014, at the age of 101. He dedicated his life to the development of guided missiles, manned space flight and keeping the dream of space alive for future generations.
He was born on April 24, 1913 in Berlin, Germany. He received his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University in Berlin in 1937 and started his career at Siemens designing and building electrical power networks. In 1939, he was drafted into the German Army and was assigned to repair electrical systems for tanks and other vehicles. After a short stay in the army, Siemens was able to obtain his release so that he could continue his work on electrical systems. At that time, Siemens sent him to Peenemuende to build the electrical network for the development of rocketry.
Dieter Grau continued to work for Siemens in Peenemuende until early 1943. During that time he married Esther Schaffner. In March 1943, he was drafted again and sent to the Russian front. After 4 months in Russia, he received orders to return to Peenemuende and work for the Rocket Development Center under Wernher von Braun. There he was assigned to work at Test Stand VII to help debug the rockets and prepare them for static firing and launching.
At the end of World War II, Wernher von Braun surrendered to the U.S. Army. The U.S. military authorized 125 German scientists, engineers and craftsmen to come to the United States under Operation Paper Clip to continue the rocket program. In January 1946, Dieter left Germany and was sent to Fort Bliss near El Paso, TX, to continue the development of rockets. There he worked on the development of guidance systems and electrical networks for the rockets. In 1950, the U.S. Army rocket program moved to Huntsville, AL; Dieter and his family also moved to Huntsville. He proudly became a U. S. citizen in 1954. In Alabama, he continued to work for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency until the establishment of NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center.
In 1960, Dieter Grau was selected by Dr. von Braun to become the Director of Quality and Reliability Assurance Laboratory. He and his team were responsible for the successful launching of the manned space flight projects Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. The quality standards established under Mr. Grau’s guidance were applied throughout the NASA organization.
During his active years Dieter Grau was a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Society of Quality Control. He received numerous awards and he was especially proud of the NASA Apollo Achievement Award and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He retired from NASA in 1973.
He was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church Huntsville and served as a deacon.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Peter and Gail, his daughter Evelyn, his grandchildren and their spouses, Lauren and Sanjay Minocha and Eric and Sally Grau. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther in 2005. The family would like to thank Heidi, Liz, Jackie, Yvonne, Irmgard, Bunny, Eileen and Sandi. Everyone should be as fortunate to have friends like you. Sincere thanks also to the staff of Regency Retirement Village, the caregivers of Right at Home, and Brooks and Meghan from Hospice Family Care for your efforts and support.
A memorial service for Dieter Grau was scheduled for 1:00pm on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Avenue in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund or to Hospice Family Care Huntsville Hospital.