Robert Henry Lawrence, Jr. (October 2, 1935-1967) - The first African-American astronaut, Lawrence graduated from Englewood High School and went on to earn his doctorate in chemistry from Ohio State University. He died in a plane crash while working as an instructor pilot for the Edwards Air Force base in California. Lawrence earned the Air Force recommendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal. The Robert H. Lawrence Elementary School in Chicago is named in his honor.