Civil service

President John F. Kennedy, James E. Webb (Director of NASA), and James S. McDonnell (center, with arms outstretched), walk away from the presidential plane with many others upon its arrival at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, St. Louis, Missouri.

President John F. Kennedy, James S. McDonnell, and James E. Webb walk away from the Presidential plane upon its arrival at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri.

President John F. Kennedy standing on the tarmac of an airport while visiting the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. James E. Webb, head of NASA, is in the gray suit facing the President. James S. McDonnell stands between the President and Mr. Webb.

President John F. Kennedy shakes hands with guests upon his arrival at the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. The President has just stepped onto the tarmac. James E. Webb, head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is shown with his back to the camera.

From left to right, Senator Warren Magnuson, President John F. Kennedy, unidentified, and James E. Webb, head of NASA, in the Oval Office. President Kennedy examines a book about the upcoming Seattle, Washington, Space Conference. The unidentified man is thought to be a Congressional Representative from Washington.

President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office with his appointee for the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, James E. Webb. This photo is mounted on heavy board in a New York Times folder.

President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office with his appointee for the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, James E. Webb.

President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office with his appointee for the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, James E. Webb.

Former President Harry S. Truman visits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters in Washington, D. C. Shown with Mr. Truman is James E. Webb, head of NASA.

Official NASA portrait of James E. Webb, appointed head of the agency by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.