L. Eugene Root (1910-1992) was an aerospace engineer and aerospace executive during the twentieth century. Born in Lewiston, Idaho and educated at College of the Pacific and California Institute of Technology, Root worked at Douglas Aircraft Company from 1934 to 1946, rising to the rank of Chief of Aerodynamics. From 1946 to 1953, he worked for Rand Corporation, serving as its Chief of Aircraft Division. Root joined Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in 1953 and enjoyed an illustrious career with this aerospace firm, serving as Director of Development and Planning (1953-1956), Vice President and General Manager of Missiles and Space Division (1956-1959), Group Vice President of Missiles and Space Division (1959-1961), President of Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (1961-1969), and Group Vice President of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (1969-1970). While at Lockheed, Root worked on a number of notable aerospace programs, including the Polaris missile, the Agena rocket, and Gemini Space Program. He also built Lockheed's missile and space plant in Sunnyvale, California.
From the description of L. Eugene Root papers, 1916-1976, (bulk 1946-1971) (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 85846957
