Background
Thompson, William Paul was born on June 3, 1934 in Elmira, New York, United States. Son of W. Paul and Helen Katharine (Bruce) Thompson.
Thompson, William Paul was born on June 3, 1934 in Elmira, New York, United States. Son of W. Paul and Helen Katharine (Bruce) Thompson.
Bachelor of Science in physics, Yale University, 1955; Master of Science in Physics, Lehigh University, 1957; Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, Lehigh University, 1963.
Research and teaching assistant, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 1955-1961; instructor, Moravian College, Bethlehem, 1957-1958; instructor, Los Angeles Trade-Technology, 1967; member technical staff labs, Aerospace Corp, Los Angeles, 1961-1968; head department reentry systems, Aerospace Corporation, San Bernardino, California, 1968-1972; associate group director, Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, 1972-1979; director space technical, Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, 1979-1981; director aerophysics lab, Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, 1981-1989; principal scientist development group, Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, 1989-1992; principal director Strategic Planning Office, Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, since 1993. Visiting committee School Aerospace Engineering U. Oklahoma, since 1987. Advisory board minority engineering program University of California at Los Angeles, since 1987.
Fellow American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (associate, member laser technical committee 1986-1989, chairman 1989-1991). Member American Physical Society, Sigma Xi.
Married Sally W. Lessig, August 1955 (divorced April 1977). Children: Helen W., Bruce A., Leila E., Judith A. Married Anne Stevenson, December 11, 1977.