Hyman Rickover

Date of Birth: January 27, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: July 8, 1986

Biography

Hyman G. Rickover, often referred to as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy,” was a four-star admiral in the United States Navy. He was born in Poland and immigrated to the United States as a child. Rickover graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1922 and later earned a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University. His most notable achievement was his pivotal role in developing naval nuclear propulsion, leading to the launch of the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, in 1954. His relentless dedication to safety, education, and rigorous standards in engineering set a high bar for the Navy and the entire nuclear industry. Rickover served an extraordinary 63 years on active duty, retiring in 1982. He was known for his outspoken and often controversial views on military and civilian energy policy.

5 Interesting Facts about Hyman Rickover

1. Hyman Rickover was born in Maków Mazowiecki, Poland, and his family emigrated to the United States when he was six years old.

2. He served under eight U.S. Presidents and was the longest-serving naval officer in U.S. history.

3. Rickover was awarded two Congressional Gold Medals, a unique distinction in American history.

4. He was known for his rigorous interviews, often grilling candidates for hours to determine their suitability for the nuclear program.

5. Rickover authored several books, including “Education and Freedom” and “Eminent Americans: Namesakes of the Polaris Submarine Fleet”.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hyman Rickover

1. “Good ideas are not adopted automatically. They must be driven into practice with courageous patience.”

2. “Responsibility is a unique concept. It can only reside and inhere in a single individual. You may share it with others, but your portion is not diminished.”

3. “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”

4. “Success teaches us nothing; only failure teaches.”

5. “If you’re going to sin, sin against God, not the bureaucracy. God will forgive you but the bureaucracy won’t.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a career military officer, Hyman Rickover did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His highest net worth was modest, consistent with his government salary and pensions.