The 1960 Wehrner von Braun biopic I Aim for the Stars has a credit for a “Maj. Paul F. Mertz” as a technical advisor. So far, I haven’t been able to turn up any biographical info on him. Possibly he’s still alive, but possibly not. I haven’t been able to find his name associated with anything concerning US rocket development–or anything else.
Anyone???
He was described as “ret.”, i.e., retired, in 1960 (according to the Internet Movie Database), so there would be a strong likelihood that he is now dead.
Using the Social Security Death Index, you can find a person named Paul F. Mertz. Might be your guy, might not.
PAUL F MERTZ
born 04 Apr 1920
died 15 Nov 2000
placeof last residence (Wernersville, Berks, PA)
I’ve searched just a bit for him, but found nothing. Except, using Google books,
from Within Our Gates: Ethnicity in American Feature Films, 1911-1960 - Google Books
What does the (S.C.) mean? South Carolina?
The Paul Mertz that you are inquiring about died May 12, 1997. He was born June 17, 1918 in St Paul Minnesota. His father was Michael J Mertz (d. 1954) and mother was Wilhelmina T (Geering) Mertz (d. 1980). He had two brothers (John, William) and three sisters (Margaret, MaryJane and Elizabeth). All siblings except for one sister have died. He had been stationed at White Sands Missile Base in the Signal Corp at the time. That’s the “S.C” in Paul F. Mertz, Maj. USA (S.C.).
He was my uncle.
Once again the people on the Dope can never stop surprising me.
Many thanks!